The Messenger Newsletter

Cris Emrich  is a well known member of LHPC.  As chair of the Fellowship Committee, Cris, along with her committee, have seen that we were well fed and that each event was truly an "event."  Cris has also served our church as an adult Sunday School Leader, an elder (Class of 2002) and, drawing on her vast experience in marketing, was the Communications Director during Phase 1 of the Capitol Campaign.  As one might suspect, Cris has been active in numerous civic organizations as well.  Although baptized and reared as a Roman Catholic, it was soon after the birth of her son, Ted, in 1987 that she became a Presbyterian.  Since then she states that she has actively and purposefully pursued her faith with God and with her church family.  Cris is married to Roger Emrich and they have one son, Ted.

Lin Johnson  was raised a Presbyterian, and as a youth, Lin attended churches of other denominations as well.  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 works with the attendance records kept on members.  She has also served as usher and assistant circle chair.  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.  Lin states, "...my faith journey is exciting and deeply satisfying..."

Paul Kunde,  his wife, Renee and their two children, Brian and Jennifer, are familiar faces in the halls of LHPC.  By occupation Paul is in commercial banking and has used his skills in this field many times to the benefit of LHPC.  The Kundes joined this church in 1994 and since joining, Paul has served as an elder in the Class of 2002, as moderator of the Men's Fellowship, chair of the Congregational Care Committee, a member of the Stewardship & Finance Committee and he was an active participant on the Appreciative Inquiry Team.  Of his faith journey, Paul states that he was raised in the Southern Baptist Church but that through his wife's cousin, Eula Watterson, he and his family came to this church.

Charles Matz,  his wife, Lisa, and their sons, Myles and John, are among the newer members of LHPC.  Prior to joining they were steady attendees and took part in a number of church activities.  Charles, having grown up in the Lutheran Church in Harlingen, states that he received a good strong religious background, and that while he let it slide during the days of his youth he returned to his faith as he matured.  He further states that his marriage and the birth of his sons, led him to experience God's glory with a growing family and that becoming a member of LHPC, with its warmth and feeling of belonging, has made all the difference for him.  Charles actively participates in Men's Fellowship and in Cub Scout Pack 435 which meets weekly in Fellowship Hall.  By profession he is an independent computer consultant.

Lisa Saemann Teschner  is truly a child of the church, having grown up as the daughter of two of the founding members of the former Northminster congregation.  She has lived all her life in Dallas.  She and her husband Tom Teschner are the parents of one son, Tommy.  Lisa has served in the past as a deacon and is currently serving as Acolyte Director.  She has always taken an active part in the community life of Dallas serving on the boards of many local civic organizations.  As to her faith journey, Lisa states that she believes strongly in the power of prayer and has witnessed its strength in the birth and life of her son.  Lisa says that the church has always been a place of peace and comfort for her and that she has come to realize that God is in every detail of life and that one must learn to listen carefully with an open ear so that His plans may be heard.

All Saints' Sunday is a universal festival of the Church.  This festival day directs our attention to the richness of Christian history and the varied experiences of the grace of God by lifting up the lives of the saints.

custom of commemorating all the martyrs of the Church on a single day goes back at least to the third century.  All Saints' Sunday celebrates not only the martyrs and saints, but all the people of God, living and dead, who together form the body of Christ.

Below are the names of the members of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church who have died since All Saints' last year.  We will remember them in our prayers on this Sunday, and we will give thanks for their lives.  We remember and find strength in their faith and the faith of all the saints both known to us and known only to God.

The following members of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church have passed away between November 2005 and October 2006:  Katherine Forrest, Fred Pannek, Dorotha Curry, Nell O'Neal, Rosilla Hagen and Mildred Odum.

White Rock Center of Hope
Please remember that donations are always accepted at the church for White Rock Center of Hope.  Items needed:

• Macaroni and cheese
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Canned Tuna
• Canned Fruits
• Canned Meats

Visiting Nurses Association
VNA Hospice bereavement luncheons are open to any adult in the community that has lost a loved one in the last year. The luncheon provides an opportunity for bereaved persons to enjoy a nice lunch, pick up some helpful grief literature, and hear a practical program about the grief process. Admission is free. Contact Missy Rodgers for more information (214-902-9935).

November 5:  Service of Remembrance; at 2:00 p.m., Ridgeview Presbyterian Church
November 13:  Healing Through the Holidays; 6:00-8:00 p.m., at the VNA offices.
November 14:  Coping with the Holidays; at 12:00-1:00 p.m., at Church of the Incarnation.
December 2:  Healing Through the Holidays; at 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at Heritage Senior Center, Irving.
December 7:  With the Help of a Pen: Remembering Loved Ones; at 12:00 -1:00 p.m., at Saturn Road Church of Christ.
December 2:  The Journey Through Grief; at 12:00-1:00 p.m. , at Church of the Incarnation.

Mission Speaker
On Saturday, November 4th at First Presbyterian Church in Garland at 7:00 p.m., Dennis Smith, PC(USA) mission co-worker in Guatemala will be speaking about television preachers, new religious movements, and the challenge they present for historic churches.  You are also invited for a potluck dinner beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunity
LifeNet Behavioral Healthcare (located in Lake Highlands) will be serving Thanksgiving dinner again this year to their clients on Saturday, November 25, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. the Fellowship Hall at LHPC.  Norma's Café is catering the meal for free and volunteers are needed for various tasks throughout the event.  If you would like to participate in this wonderful outreach opportunity, please contact Missy Rodgers at 214-902-9935 or missyro@earthlink.net.

McCree Esprit
This third annual neighborhood event was again a huge success, as five area churches came together to provide a day of fun activities and good food for the approximately 800 people who attended.  Our own Praise on High band gave an amazing performance that left our hearts full of joy and praise.

A big thank you to our many volunteers (cake walk, stuffed animal adoption, popcorn & cotton candy machines, set-up/clean-up, singing, musicians, publicity, welcome booth, serving hot dogs) - we couldn't have done it without you!  $355 raised from the event will be given to White Rock Center of Hope.
     — Meg, Peyton, & Missy
         (2006 McCree Esprit Planning Team)

Special Giving Opportunity
The White Rock Center of Hope has just completed a large remodeling and expansion project to better serve their clients . LHPC has committed to a pledge of $2500 to help with the funding and at this time we have generously received $500 from individuals toward this pledge. We would like to encourage others to participate in this special giving opportunity; please mark your donations "WRCH Expansion Project". Contact Missy Rodgers, Missions Committee Chair, for more information at 214-902-9935 or missyro@earthlink.net.

What's happening with the PNC?
The Committee has been meeting bi-monthly and we have made great progress!  Our job at present is to complete the CIF (Church Information Form) so that it can finally be posted for all prospective pastoral candidates to view and consider.  We have nearly completed that process, with a final meeting and review by Grace Presbytery's Committee on Ministry and the review by our own Session on target for November.

Once our CIF is posted, we can anticipate receiving inquiries and pastoral resumes for consideration. With the Christmas Holiday quickly approaching, we expect to begin that process shortly after the holidays.

While it does, at times, seem tedious and lengthy, we are assured that this detailed work on the CIF is critical to ensuring that we get the best possible matches in pastoral candidates for LHPC.  We ask for your continued prayers and support for both LHPC and the PNC throughout this process.

—On behalf of the Pastor Nominating Committee, Cinda Koch.

The session held its monthly stated meeting on the evening of Monday, October 16, 2006 and was moderated by the Rev. Larry A. Thomas.  The following are highpoints of that meeting:

The clerk announced that Justin and Amy Jeter have requested that their infant daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Jeter, be baptized at the 9:00 a.m. service on Sunday, November 5, 2006.

It was also noted that Marc and Kathy Whipple have requested that the names of their family be removed from the rolls of LHPC.

Various pieces of correspondence were reviewed including a letter from the Congregational Support Committee of Grace Presbytery informing us that LHPC has been awarded a grant in the amount of $2,100.  This grant was applied for earlier in the year as a part of the Presbytery's Missions Initiative Grant program which affords an opportunity for all churches in the Presbytery to make application for funds to be used for new ministries.  Our application for these funds was made with the understanding that, if granted, the money would be used to further our Spiritual Development program.  This program is designed to occur throughout the year with key events which will center on a specific area of Spiritual Development.  Through such events LHPC will provide outreach and ministry to a broad age range of both the surrounding community and the church's membership.  If you are interested in learning more about this grant, please see either Meg Richardson or Sammye Wood.

With regard to the Class of 2009, the following dates were established:

November 12, 2006 - Elder training in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church led by the Rev. Betty Youngman.
December 2, 2006 - Elder training in the Presbyterian Church (USA) provided by the Eastern Dallas County Cluster of Presbyterian Churches.
December 10, 2006 -Installation and/or ordination of the new Class of 2009.
A complete set of the minutes of this meeting are posted on the bulletin board across from the Electrical Room.

Sunday, Nov. 19th
11:00 a.m. Worship

Immediately followed by Pot Luck Luncheon

"In thanksgiving for the past and consecrating ourselves for the future"

The Consecration Service is the high point of our annual Stewardship Program.  It is important that we all make plans to attend.  All LHPC members and friends are invited to attend.  There will not be a 8:30 a.m. worship service or Praise on High service this day.

Come Fellowship!  Bring a dish to share:  hearty salads, meat casseroles, assorted side dishes, and vegetables.  Turkey and the trimmings and desserts have been provided through an anonymous gift.

Sign-up
Please be reminded that we need people to sign up to bring cookies, cake or goodies to be served in Fellowship Hall after worship services on Sundays.  There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the main hallway.  Thanks!

Dec. 5th, 12th & 19th
6:00 - 6:30 p.m.: Dinner
6:30 - 7:00 p.m.: Taize Worship
7:00 Classes

Join us for this fantastic series for every age each Tuesday evening through Advent.  There will be dinner provided by Fellowship Committee and Taize Worship led by Peyton Strouth.  In a lecture series led by Larry Thomas entitled "The Roads from Bethlehem," we will explore the diverse ways the Christmas story has been told in scripture, folklore, and great art.

There will also be programs for children and youth, and childcare will be provided for the little ones.  Come celebrate the Advent season with your Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church family.

Sunday, November 19th

On Sunday, November 19th we will collect small items and goodies to send in care packages to our LHPC college kids!  Currently, we have nine students on the mailing list.

Items can be brought to the Narthex that morning.  Cards will be available for you to write your good wishes to them for finals weeks.

LHPC stays connected with our college students by sending regular emails, devotionals, and newsletters to them so that they are always in the know, and that we are planning special activities for them during holiday breaks.

If you know of an LHPC member currently in college who would like to be on the mailing list, please contact Meg Richardson with their current telephone, email and mailing information.  Meg can be reached at 214-348-2133.

Many of the women who attended the Women's Retreat inhave expressed views that maybe it was the "Best thing has ever done." Under the leadership of Meg Richardson it was certainly a success.  Other women have said what a fun time they had at the Stone Soup Luncheon and Style Show with The White Rock Center of Hope receiving a contribution of $481.00.  These activities are to be continued next year, and care is always provided.

The National Women's Organizations of both the Cumberland and PC(USA) denominations sponsor Women of the Year Awards with an honorary life membership.  At LHPC this honor is usually alternated between Cumberland and PC(USA), and it is not necessarily awarded each year.  The honoree need not be active in PW Circles, but her contribution must include service that benefits the PW Organization as well as the church as a whole.  After the merger of our churches two of our women have been chosen to receive the award.  With great appreciation for their contributions to PW and to the church, Margaret Phillips was chosen as this year's LHPW Woman of the Year, and last year Missy Rogers was given the honor.

The Women of LHPC have the following activities planned for the month of December:

11/8:  Board Meeting at 9:45 a.m.
11/11:  Corner Market
11/13:  Circle of Joy at 7:00 p.m.
11/15:  Circle of Hope at 9:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
11/20:  Circle 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Lorene Pinnell
11/21:  Circle 2 at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
11/22:  White Rock Circle at 10:00 a.m. at Whiterock Court
11/28:  LHPC Women's Christmas Program, at 7:00 p.m., hosted by Circle of Joy.
              All women of the church are invited to attend the program.

The LHPC Women's Retreat was a day of renewal and re-energizing for the ladies of the church.  The day began with praise music by the Praise on High Worship Band, followed by an inspirational talk by Marcie Hatfield, the keynote speaker.  Marcie is the coordinator for Women's Ministry at First Baptist Church, Lewisville, the mother of five children, and is a professional organizer.  She enjoys speaking to groups about her passions and does it in an uplifting, fun way.

The ladies of LHPC enjoyed a delightful box lunch and participated in break-out groups, including Organization 101, Handmade Greeting Cards, Jewelry Making, Knitting and Crocheting 101 and Mission Projects.  The unusual rainy day presented a perfect opportunity for fellowship and a chance to learn new things.

Crosswave Schedule

November 5:-Youth Fellowship 4:00 p.m.
November 19:-Grace Presbytery Youth Worship Celebration at FPC, Grapevine

Please see Meg Richardson for more information concerning any of these events and programs.

Sunday, November 26th
6:00 p.m.

Join us on Sunday, November 26th, at 6:00 p.m. for a Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church tradition.  The Hanging of the Greens service is for all ages.  We will prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth with the first event of the Advent season.  What is the significance . . . Of the evergreens . . . The colors used . . . The Chrismon tree?  Find the answers to these questions and join us for cookies, wassail and fellowship activities after this service.

Sunday, Dec. 17th
4:00 p.m.

LHPC's Children's Theatre Ministry, Pint Size Productions, will present "Midnight Miracle" on Sunday, Dec. 17th, at 4:00 p.m.  This production will take place in the sanctuary.  Please invite family, friends and neighbors.

Do you have one of our Corner Market signs tucked away in your garage or storage room?  We will soon be getting those out for people to put in their yards.  Please let Meg know if you have a sign and are planning to put it out this year, or you can return it to the church.  Questions?  Please call Meg Richardson.

Members of LHPC:

I want to thank you for praying for me after my total knee replacement surgery on August 15th.  I had a very good surgeon and excellent prayers from you.  In fact, you did such a good job that when I have my right knee done after the first of the year, I will appreciate your prayers then as well.  Thank you my new friends for your help in my recovery.

     Christy Cumbie

Dear Friends:-

It's hard for me to find a way to show my gratitude to all of you who have sent me cards, called and/or sent me flowers, and have held me in your prayers except to say:  Thank you so very much!  I do so appreciate all of you.  I am still at Grace Presbyterian Village but will let the church office know when I move to a retirement home.

     Love to all of you!

     Mac Hubbard

LHPC:

I would like to show my appreciation for the ladies of the church who did such a nice job at Leon's memorial service with the refreshments, the Praise on High and Peyton for the beautiful music, and the minister for his respectful and graceful words that comforted our family and friends.

     Thanks so much,

     Debbie Scroggins

Special Gifts CDC Conor Puckett Mason Puckett Christian Education Melany Gifford Music Ministries/POH Anonymous Ralph & Jan Gifford Chuck & Jo Marie Goldberry Marian Grubbs Billie Hill Tammy & Rich Mackesey Steve Moore J. B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Linda Swanson Sanctuary Sound System Steve Moore White Rock Center of Hope Anonymous Ron & Amy Chester Melany Gifford Maxie Hardin Youth Group Jim & Cinda Koch

The best thing about the future is that it comes only on day at a time. Please bring your empty ink jet cartridges and old cell phones to the church for recycling.  Collection boxes can be found in the work room in the church office.  All proceeds will support the youth fund.

Congratulations to Dan and Cindy Wadley on the arrival of their Great Grandson,
Aaron Michael Crain, born October 10, 2006.

Altrusa International, Inc of Richardson, Texas recently announced the names of the women who were nominated to receive an award as an Outstanding Woman of Today for 2006.  These recipients were nominated because of their accomplishments in the workplace.  Among the nominees in the category of Education was Judy Regan, our CDC Director.

The criteria upon which the nominations are based includes a display of exceptional determination, innovation, and vision, contribution to the mission of their organization, and accomplishment in their work.  These women are known to show a spirit of community service and leadership development.  For more information on Altrusa, please check their web page at http://www.altrusarichardson.com/.

The Church expresses Christian Sympathy to the Jacobie Family, upon the death of Hollis' father, Roy E. Jacobie.  Memorial services were held on Monday, October 23rd at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church.

The Church expresses Christian Sympathy to the Iliya Families upon the death of Nimeh Iliya, brother of Al and Fawzi.  Nimeh passed away on October 19th, in Beirut, Lebanon.

LHPC visitors for worship during the months of September are listed below:

Tana & Tim Roberts, Sterling Thomasen, Dennis Cumbie, Roland & Dottie Mackey, Elaine Kinney, Anne Stoops, B. J. Thomas, Greg Harrison, Betsy Longdon, Peter Swanson & Family, Frank Duckett, Hugh Lackey, Christen Kotch, Katie & Mike Kotch, Guntis Melbardis, Karan & Camille Callaway, Anne Kotch, Jim, Elisabeth & Katy Sillsant, Charelle Angeny, Georgia Garcia, Barley & Glenda Miller, Rene Ortis, Jeanette Cutright, Tom & Barbara Manchester, Tracey McClure, Morris & Mary Burkwall, Andi Rae, Marvin Reyes, Blanca Salinas, Chris Lopez, Rachel Granger, Bob Volker, Andrea Ramirez, Janet Carciona, Marion Brockette, Brent Hass, Hilda Ramsay, Joyce Adams, Patti & Greg Smith, Craig & Cheryl Lampe, Barbara Seale, Marlene Camille, Bob & Judy Thornton, James Harding, Ciocan Family, Sterling Thomasen