The Messenger Newsletter

September 18, After 11:00 a.m. Worship
To Elect Five (5) Members of the Session, Class 2008.  The nominees are:  Carol Greenman, Bert Hager, Hollie Higgins, Bill Miller & Missy Rodgers.  Other nominations may be made from the floor, provided that:

• The nominee is an active member of the congregation (per the Constitutions).
• The nominee has given prior consent to the nomination (per the Constitutions).
• The nominee is not a member of the Class of 2004 and is not related by birth or marriage as spouse, parent or child to a member of the Classes of 2005 or 2006 (per the LHPC Standards of Procedure)

Carol Greenman
Occupation:  Credit clerk
Office(s) in which previously served: Sunday School teacher; Sunday School Superintendent.
Since becoming a member in 1989, Carol has served as both Sunday School teacher and Sunday School superintendent.  Of her faith, Carol states that she can’t remember when she because aware of her trust and faith in God but that she cannot remember a time when she didn’t have it.

Bert Hager
Spouse:  Nancy
Occupation:  Retired electronics engineer
Office(s) in which previously served: Elder, co-chair of Christian Education, and commissioner for New Church Development Committee of Grace Presbytery.
Since becoming a member in 1977, Bert has served on numerous church committees, both as chair and as a member.  He 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
Spouse:  Jeff
Occupation:  Community Prevention Coordinator, Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
Office(s) in which previously served: Youth Fellowship Sponsor, Sunday School teacher, Worship Committee Chair, Appreciative Inquiry Team, and women’s work.
Having served previously on the session of LHPC, Hollie states that beginning with her childhood she has been consistently nurtured and supported by the Christian love of family and church and that she expects to continue to serve God in whatever way she can.

Bill Miller
Spouse:  Ann
Occupation:  Real estate
Office(s) in which previously served: Elder, Gang of Nine, Executive Director of the Capital Building Fund Campaign, and Sunday School teacher.
Bill says 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
Spouse:  Mike
Occupation:  Homemaker; retired nurse
Office(s) in which previously served: Missions Committee chair, Sunday School teacher, Moderator of Presbyterian Women, circle chair and church camp nurse.
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.

Sunday, August 21, 2005
      Eternal and ever-loving God, whom the heavens cannot contain, let alone houses made with human hands, we praise you that you have graciously promised to meet with your people who assemble in your name. So we ask that you be present with us who are gathered to dedicate to your glory these facilities of worship and learning and caring, separating them henceforth from all unhallowed and common uses. Accept we beseech you this work of our hands, and grant that these structures may be habitations of your love and your grace, so that all who seek you here may be satisfied by your presence and your eternal salvation.
      Grant, O God, that by your holy word which shall be read and proclaimed in this place, those who hear will discern more perfectly your will for them, and may have grace and power to fulfill the same.
      Grant, O God, that those who receive the sacraments here may be strengthened thereby to be your faithful people in this your world.
      Grant, O God, that those who are joined in marriage here may faithfully perform the vows and covenants between them made.
      Grant, O God, that those who teach and learn here may come to know your wisdom and your truth for them and for others.
      Grant, O Lord, that the children who are cared for and nurtured here, may be so loved and cared for that they may come to know more fully the power and the meaning of unconditional love.
      Here may the faithful find salvation, and the careless be awakened.
      Here may the doubting find faith, and the anxious be encouraged.
      Here may the tempted find help, and the sorrowful comfort.
      Here may the weary find rest, and the strong be renewed.
      Here may the aged find hope and fulfillment, and the youth be inspired. Amen.

LHPC is now the home of BSA Troop 435 and Cub Scout Pack 435 . Previously chartered by Merriman Park Elementary School PTA, the troop and pack wanted to be affiliated with a neighborhood church.  By offering the two scouting levels, the pack or troop has a place for boys, ages 7 through 18 years.  Jim Koch serves as our chartering organization representative to the troop;  Cinda Koch serves in the same role for the Cub Pack.  The troop’s Scoutmaster is Terry Mullins.  The pack and troop’s normal meeting time is Monday evenings.

Watch for future newsletter and website updates on pack and troop activities.  If you wish more information, call Jim or Cinda Koch or the church office.

Dedication Day Retrospective
Sunday, August 21 will stand prominently in the memories of many of us.  We’ll recall:  Fun, Joy, Celebration, Friendship, Awesome Worship, Gratitude and Pride.

In many ways the day was the realization of a dream reaching back to 1997 when we first began to explore the possibility of union.  It also represented our galvanization into ministry and mission as strongly as did the day of our organization as a new congregation in 1999.  The property is being used more and more and in ways we could not have predicted even when we moved in a mere five months ago.  Imagine what other new ministries and community-based organizations will find a “home” within these walls in the future.

Among the highlights of the afternoon were

• The concert by our youth band, Altitude
• The music, supported by the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Praise Team, brass ensemble and, of course, Choirmaster Peyton Strouth and Organist John Burkwall
• The greetings from Council member Bill Blaydes and presbyterial representatives David Wasserman and Betty Youngman
• The congratulatory letters from Mayor Laura Miller and President Bush
• The sermon by Dr. Cynthia Campbell, President of McCormick Theological Seminary
• The dedicatory prayer by Robert M. Shelton (printed at the bottom of this page)

      The marvelous informal reception

      Literally dozens and dozens of people worked in one phase or another to make Dedication Day an enjoyable, memorable experience.  I could not begin to name them all;  I would prefer to say that it was an effort by the church entire.  I do need to acknowledge the committee that began work in June to make it a marvelous event:

      Robert M. Shelton, chair
      Martha Boyd
      Missy Rodgers
      Chuck Ramsay
      Chris Jacobie
      Ginger Williams
      Cris Emrich
      Erik Swanson

      Once again, people of Lake Highlands Presbyterian, you give me cause to be glad and grateful that I can serve alongside you.



—Robert E Shelton

See a collection of Roberts Rambling

Just to keep you up to date, the following are notes gleaned from the minutes of the stated session meeting of August 15, 2005. . .

The Rev. Robert M. Shelton led the session in their continuing study of Acts 16:5 during which ideas were exchanged on interpretation of the book by the Rev. E. Stanley Ott entitled, Twelve Dynamic Shifts for Transforming Your Church.  The study will continue through the October session meeting.

The clerk noted that Jim Koch met with session on August 14, 2005 and was received into the membership of LHPC.

The Facilities Use Committee under the auspices of the Property Committee presented and received approval for three new groups to meet using our facilities.  These include Youth ALOUD, Boy Scout Troop 435 and Cub Pack Group 435.

Through the work done by the Nominating Committee a slate of nominees to the Class of 2008 will be presented to the congregation at a meeting to be called in September.

The Personnel Committee has been charged by session to act as the Temporary Pulpit Supply Committee and the Interim Pastoral Search Committee.  Elder Jack Martin was named to chair the committee for the remainder of the year.

The Missions Committee announced that LHPC will serve as sponsor of a special program concerning the use of drugs, in particular steroids, by the youth. This program will be presented at the high school in October.

Although it is not possible to post the minutes at this time, they are available for reading in the church offices at any time.

The Session has approved monthly meetings of Youth ALOUD, a community-wide group of eighth through twelfth graders who do not drink alcohol and want to reduce the incidence and impact of underage drinking through youth-implemented solutions.  The group is similar to SADD (Students against Drunk Driving), except that Youth ALOUD participants are drawn from across the community as opposed to one school.  Currently the group has twenty member, two college mentors and three adult sponsors.  Hollie Higgins, an LHPC member and Community Prevention Coordinator with the Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, is one of the sponsors.

Youth ALOUD joins the following other church-sponsored ministries or community-based organizations calling LHPC “home:”

• Child Development Center and Parents Day Out (daily)
• Recovery, Inc. (weekly)
• Yoga classes (twice weekly)
• Square dance club (twice monthly)
• Cub Pack and BSA Troop 435 (weekly)

Corner Market is scheduled for November 12th! With our new and expanded Fellowship Hall, we will have room for many more crafters and vendors.  If you know of anyone who would be interested in having a craft booth at the Corner Market, please get their name and contact information or business card to Cinda Koch.  Cinda can be reached at 214-343-4642.

The church, through the initiation of the Missions Committee, will sponsor an evening presentation on the symptoms and dangers of steroid use, with the meeting to be held at the Lake Highlands High School auditorium on October 5.  Co-sponsors are the Lake Highlands High School chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Solutions Outpatient Services.

The speaker will be Bob Newton, a Betty Ford Center counselor and former member of the University of Nebraska, Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks football teams . More information later about this special event.

Beginning Sunday, September 18, the children and youth of LHPC will be involved in learning and performing "A Shepherd’s Story," a musical based on the Christmas story as told in Luke 2:1-20.  Each week at 9:45 a.m., during the Sunday School hour, we will meet to hear the story, learn songs, practice parts, and make the sets, props and costumes to be used in the play.  The performance will be held on Sunday, December 11, at 4:00 p.m.  Any adults interested in volunteering their time and talents (crafts, drama, props, etc.) for this exciting experience will be greatly appreciated.  Contact Meg Richardson for more information.

LHPC is needing some new Acolytes.  Some of the older acolytes have become more involved in youth group and have outgrown the robes!  We are looking for children who have started kindergarten or older who would be interested in being acolytes.  Please contact Lisa at 214-821-2409 or lisa.fairchild@sbcglobal.net

Any parent who would like to be an acolyte supervisor should also contact Lisa as she will be passing the torch soon.

Circle l will meet Monday, September 19, 7:00 p.m.  A covered dish dinner meeting will be held at the home of Ann Shelton, 10508 Royalwood.  For information call Lorene Pinnell at 214-348-0401.

Circle 2 will meet Tuesday, September 20, 9:30 a.m. at the home of Betty Davis, 10859 Carissa Drive.  For information call Collene Ziegenfuss at 214-348-3513 or Lucy Zaccone at 972-437-6635.

Circle of Hope will meet Wednesday, September 21, 9:30 a.m. at LHPC. Hostesses will be Martha Boyd and Eula Watterson.  For information call Jan Gifford at 214-348-8595.

Circle of Joy Monthly meetings will be announced later. For information call Missy Rogers at 214-902-9935

Other Opportunities
Women’s board meeting will be held on September 14 at LHPC, 10:00 a.m.

A Stone Soup Luncheon and Style Show will be held at LHPC on September 17 at 11:00 a.m.  Fashions from the White Rock Center of Hope will be featured.  A free will offering will benefit the White Rock Center of Hope.  A nursery will be provided.

Women’s Retreat:  The Women of LHPC are invited to a Women’s Retreat October 22, 2005, 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.  Springhill Retreat Center, Richardson, Texas, Rev. Fran Shelton will lead the retreat.

I am SO glad to be home!!!  Oh wait (ahem, ahem) I mean Aww, I’m so sad that camp is over.  This year we had fourteen youth and family and friends of our kiddos from LHPC participating in Red River Summer Camps.  This was the first year at a new location (Camp WOW in Oklahoma) and to have all three ages group programs going on at the same place and time.  It was a learning year for those of us on camp administration but a great time was had by all.  Next year is sure to be even better!  Thanks to all those who helped with transportation:  Missy Rodgers, Jan Gifford, Melany Gifford, Peyton Strouth, Marty Halliburton & Sammye Wood.  Thank you to Men’s Fellowship who helps to scholarship our LHPC members for camp every year!

Meg Richardson,
Junior Camp Director


Camp WOW was the greatest, most unforgettable experience ever...I loved it!

Jennifer M.,
Jr. High Camper


We just wanted to say that we had a wonderful time at Camp WOW.  It was a wonderful experience for us because we learned so much more about how to have and hold on to your faith, especially when things are tough in life.  We would like to thank Jan Gifford, Missy Rodgers, and Peyton Strouth for driving us to and from camp and for helping in any other possible way they could.  We would especially like to thank the Men’s Fellowship for sponsoring us and everyone else who contributed.  We would also like to thank Meg Richardson for all the hard work and planning she has done.  Thank you so much for all the things that the church helped us with to go to Camp WOW.

Love, Jennifer & Kim C.,
Jr. High Campers


I really liked church camp, especially the energizers and the small groups.  it was so fun I can't what to go back next year!  I want to thank the men's fellowship for sending us there too.

Abby R.

September is a crazy month for everyone.  It’s time to get settled into the new schedule for the semester.  The Youth will be meeting on Sept. 11 after 11:00 worship.  Look for the fall schedule!  Contact Meg Richardson with any questions.

Dorothy A. has been named Young Texanne by the Optimist Club of Richardson for the month of May.  Dorothy is a Senior at Lake Highlands High School.  — Congratulations, Dorothy!

Dear LHPC Friends,
     I would like to thank everyone for your prayers, beautiful cards, notes, flowers, visits and phone calls during my recent surgery and recuperation.

I love you all.

     Charlotte Meek

Memorial Gifts Margaret & Mason Brook Carl McFarland Mildred Hopkins Velma C. Smith Bob Johnson Bill & Irene Keil Jack McMahon Bob & Ione Humphrey Honorary Gifts Dixie Edwards Jack & Barbara Sudderth CDC Recovery Gifts Mac Hubbard Conor Puckett Mason Puckett Paul Schreiber Ann Shelton Sammye Wood Praise on High Worship Gifts Hollis & Zoe Jacobie Eloise Love Steve Moore Lorene Pinnell Linda Swanson CDC Playground Equipment Gifts Anonmous (3) Martha Boyd Bill & Grace Cooper Ralph & Jan Gifford Carol Greenman Marian Grubbs Jim & Cinda Koch Jim & Danna Pool Conor Puckett Mason Puckett Evan Rodgers Dale Talley Jill Schreiber Mary Simpson Collene Ziegenfuss

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

Official welcome to two of our own;  Lillie Richardson was received into membership by profession of faith and baptism on July 18, and Jim Koch was received into membership by profession of faith on August 14.  Both Lillie and Jim have been active participants in the life of the church for years.

The church expresses Christian Sympathy to Carl McFarland upon the death of his cousin, William U. Orr.  Memorial services were held on Thursday, August 11.

Welcome to our world, Jacob Harold Griffin, born to Clifton & Molly Griffin on August 12, 2005.  Proud grandparents are Mary and Jim Melton.

You are invited to the wedding of Brandi Horn to Raymond Maciel on Saturday, September 24th, 4:00 p.m., LHPC Reception to Follow

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

David & Audrey Horn, Greg Harrison, Adeline Samuel, Mary Terry, Andy & Ellen Shelton-Richey, Robert & Bonnie Thiebaud, Marie Young, Roy & Vivian Sayler, Nic Santangelo, Raymond Maciel, Marlene Camille, Ciocan Family, Tina & Tony Hageman, Toni & Erin Schevermann, Dennis & Heather Hardesty, Sandra Ybarra, Paul & Jill Schreiber, Lynne Davis, Leslie Durham, Doug Van Wey, Madison & Dylan Wood, Dan & Vicky Higgins, Robert Fitz, Jan Mitchell, Linda Shaub, June Zieneghorn, Bill & Irene Keil, Jinne Train, Kim Oda, April & Tate Gorman, Janet Kennedy, Sarah Atwood, Frank & Joy Alverson

“Young at Heart . . .people
with a serving heart.”

Meets Friday, Sept. 16 at LHPC at 11:00 a.m.  Bring a sandwich, and we will work on a service project for our community.

Testimonial Tuesdays are going to be the first Tuesday of every month at noon beginning in September.  The congregation and friends of the church are invited to come and bring a sack lunch.  Tea, coffee and lemonade will be provided.  This is an opportunity for the members to get to know each other and share their personal experiences with God.  Anyone who would like to share their story should call Steve Moore at 214-327-3114.

If you would like to give flowers for the Sunday Worship Services, please call the church office.  Because the florist gives LHPC special rate of $24.00, McShan Florist has requested that all orders are to be placed by the church office and paid for by the church office.  Any “special requests” should be made to the church office.