The Messenger Newsletter

November 28: First Sunday
Lighting the Advent Wreath — 10:45 a.m. Worship
Holy Communion — 10:45 a.m. Worship
of the Greens — 6:00 p.m.

December 5: Second Sunday
Holy Communion — 8:30 a.m. Worship
Lighting the Advent Wreath — 10:45 a.m. Worship
December 12: Third Sunday
Christmas Open House — 9:30 a.m., hosted by the Questors Adult Class
Lighting the Advent Wreath — 10:45 a.m. Worship
December 19: Fourth Sunday
Lighting the Advent Wreath — 10:45 a.m. Worship
Christmas Celebration — 4:00 p.m. at the Church

Other Events and Activities May Be Added Later
Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas.  It divides into two distinct emphases.  During the first two Sundays, the focus is upon waiting and preparation.  We in the church should not allow the commercial world to rush us into Christmas.  (Actually, Christmas doesn’t begin until December 25.)  We need time to think, anticipate and prepare.

On the third Sunday, Advent’s emphasis changes from anticipation to joy.  Emmanuel—’God with us’—is about to break in upon our world.  You see, Christmas is more than the celebration of a birth in Bethlehem long ago.  It is that, of course, but it is also the celebration of God’s light, made incarnate in Jesus Christ, cutting through our darkness.  Want a commentary on that?  You’ll find none more beautiful than in the first chapter of John’s gospel.

—RES

Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church Christmas Celebration
Sunday, December 19, 2004 — 4:00 p.m. at the ARC
InterACTion & Children’s Christmas Pageant
(“’Twas The Night Before Christmas”), Choir Performance, Carols, Cookies, Cocoa & More.
Hosted by Choir, Youth & Children
Come celebrate with us

Children & Youth & Activities
December 5: — Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 9:30 p.m.
Youth Fellowship 5:00—7:00 p.m.
December 11: — Youth Christmas Activity, To Be Announced
December 12: — Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 9:30 a.m.
Stay-N-Play-Mission Project & Activities 12:00 p.m.
December 19: — LHPC Christmas Celebration 4:00 p.m.
December 26: — No Youth Fellowship

“Why should I/we leave money from our estate to the church on our demise?  I would offer the following thoughts:”

“Christendom has been under attack since it’s beginning.  It is under attack now and will continue to be long after we are gone from this earth.

“The battle is not done. This country was founded by strong believers in one God, with basic freedoms for man to work and worship as he thought best.  Those against these principles would use these very freedoms to take them from us.

“The battle is not done.”

“And so, for those of us that have been strong participants in this fight, for those of us that have sorta been participants, and for those that have stood around and watched the participants, this is an opportunity to become a participant or continue to participate by leaving a gift from your estate to the Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church.  Your heirs will get over it after a while and “The battle is not done.”

This testimonial is from a LHPC member and leader of long tenure.  He tells us that the recurring praise “The battle is not done,” which he was so aptly and poignantly, is from the hymn “This is our Father’s World.”

If you would consider giving a testimonial of faith/stewardship, either in your name or anonymously, please contact J. B. Pendergrass or the church office.

For legal assistance in preparing or modifying your will, you may wish to contact:  Lynne Candler Board Certified in Estate Planning and probate law by Texas Board of Specialization), 5910 North Central Expressway, Suite 1010, Dallas, TX 75206

We continue to receive good recommendations for Lynne by Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church Members.

7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary on Christmas Eve.

Casual Dress, Children Are Welcome, Invite Your Friends.  Sorry, no nursery provided unless construction has been completed.  This service can be a “low threat” opportunity to introduce someone to the church.

Allow your friends and fellow members to guide your Advent/ Christmas devotional life.  Some forty of them have made it possible through their sharing in the 2004 Devotional Guide.

This year the Guide spans the entire six weeks of Advent and Christmas.  It concludes, appropriately, with Dr. Robert M. Shelton’s reflections on Epiphany, the Twelfth Day after Christmas.

If you haven’t picked up your copy, they are available in the Sanctuary.  Or if you want one mailed, call the church office: 214.348.2133.

“Thank you” to editor, Eula Watterson, the collating volunteers and each contributor.

You Are the Most Gracious of People
You.ve put up with a lot since construction began in April:  a parking lot reduced to dirt, detoured entries through fire exits, displaced classes, home hosting of meetings, cancelled activities (haven.t you missed those fellowship dinners?), restroom lines, no air conditioning, no heat, a sanctuary that looks anything but, metal folding chairs and dust, dust, dust and mud.  No one could have predicted last April that we would have the wettest summer on record.

You.ve met all these challenges with grace.  Not once have I heard a complaint.  (If you have had one, please don.t tell me.  I.d rather live with what I haven’t heard.)  And you.ve answered each inconvenience with rich humor.  Among my favorite lines is the quip one of you made upon seeing the demolished but not yet cleared old fellowship hall:  /Just look at this mess!  Isn.t it beautiful?0 For me your positive spirit is a thing of joy to celebrate, as much in its way as the completion of construction—when it is completed.

Ah, “when?” That is the question we all want answered.  As I write this, we are awaiting a revised schedule from the contractor.  Perhaps we.ll all know the answer by the time this issue of The Messenger arrives.  The best opinions are that it will be soon after the first of the year.  Of course, rain delays might further affect the schedule.

At present, we are awaiting testing the fire sprinkler system and installation of the heating/air conditioning system in the new classroom building and the fellowship hall/ office complex.  Those have to be done before the ceiling tile and floor covering can be installed.

The delay in completing the narthex and renovation of the sanctuary is the result of a deteriorated beam in the sanctuary roof system.  It was discovered during demolition for the new narthex.  The structural engineers have devised a remedy whereby the load can be transferred through trusses to the outside walls without our having to go to the considerable expense of replacing the beam totally.  The trusses have been ordered.  Until the roofing is completed over the narthex and that portion of the sanctuary, refurbishing the sanctuary is /on hold.0

It.s been a long time, and you’ve been most gracious and understanding.  THANK YOU!  Just be patient a little longer, please.

—Robert E Shelton

Just to keep you up to date, the following are notes gleaned from the minutes of the stated session meeting of November 15, 2004....

In an update of the current status of the building project, session was informed that several of the major problems have been resolved. Work is progressing slowly but surely toward a finished “product.”

Announcement was made of the death of Lucille Stipp on October 31, 2004.

Clerk’s business:  The communion schedule was adopted as presented for the year 2005.  The session also approved vacation time for the Rev. Robert E. Shelton so that he can go to Kentucky to officiate at the wedding of Greg Signall.  The Rev. Robert M. Shelton will fill the pulpit and will moderate at the December session meeting.

Property Committee announced its intention to begin clean up work on the grounds at the ARC.  Volunteers are welcome.

Christian Education announced that Sunday School classes will be held temporarily in the office section of the old Education Building until a Certificate of Occupancy is obtained on the new building.

Dates were announced by the Youth Director for the youth activities for the remainder of the year including November 28, December 5, 11, and 19.

The new schedule for Sunday morning worship was announced by the Worship Committee.  This schedule will not be effective until after the new building is completed and can be occupied legally.

The session officially adopted a no-alcohol policy for any groups using the facilities at Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church.  This decision was made based on research through the church’s attorney and insurance agents.

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

Does anyone know the deadline for submitting articles for the monthly newsletter?  The better question should be, does anyone NOT KNOW that the deadline is the 10th of the month—each month, every month, the 10th—whether the month has 28 days or 30 or 31!

The newsletter “category” comes under the Congregational Care Committee, though the big responsibilities fall to the church office staff, primarily church secretary Kay Wyne.  It does take some time to organize, type, edit and prepare all the materials to ensure that we in the congregation receive a timely publication.

So let us worry about the details of editing, proofreading, collating the printed copies, folding, labeling, sealing, stamping and bundling for the bulk mail, after which we turn them over to the U.S. Postal Service, which guarantees delivery within 10 days.  Holiday times offer extra “crunch-time” circumstances.  A number of processes itemized above are handled by volunteers enlisted by the committee, so from start to finish, the newsletter (of which we are very proud, by the way) does take a considerable portion of time—so please, please, get your materials in to the church office on time, the 10th of the month!  Thanks very much for your cooperation.

Martha Boyd

If you would like to serve the church as an usher and greeter next year, please call the church office at 214-348-2133 or contact John Wyne.

Circle l will meet Dec. 20, at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Joni Kern, 3309 Larken Lane, Rowlett.  For information call Joni Kern at 972-412-1059.

Circle 2 will meet Dec. 21, at 10:00 a.m. at the home of Geri McCleskey, 9945 Acklin.  For information call Velma at 214-328-8949 or Harriet Dingman at 214-348-2317.

Circle of Hope will meet Dec. 21 at 10:00 a.m. at the home of Jan Gifford, 10802 Hayfield. For information call Sara Secor at 214-348-7628.

Circle of Joy will host the LHPW Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the ARC. For information call Meg Richardson at 214-763-1359 or Rebeka Stephens at 214-673-4759.

Other Opportunities
All women of the church are invited to attend the LHPW Christmas Party on Sunday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the ARC.

The Stone Soup Luncheon and Style Show will be held at a future date, in January.

Empty gallon milk jugs to be used as luminaries for Christmas Eve Service.  Please rinse out the jugs, no tops needed.  Drop them off at the ARC or the church office.  Please see Meg Richardson or Peyton Strouth with questions.

Children & Youth & Activities
December 5  Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 9:30 p.m.
Youth Fellowship  5:00—7:00 p.m.
December 11  Youth Christmas Activity, To Be Announced
December 12  Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 9:30 a.m.
Stay-N-Play-Mission Project & Activities  12:00 p.m.
December 19  LHPC Christmas Celebration 4:00 p.m.
December 26  No Youth Fellowship

Upcoming
Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church Christmas Celebration

Sunday, December 19, 2004 4:00 p.m. at the ARC
InterACTion & Children’s Christmas Pageant
(“’Twas The Night Before Christmas”), Choir Performance,
Carols, Cookies, Cocoa & More!!!
Hosted by Choir, Youth & Children
Come celebrate with us

Dearest LHPC friends,
     Thank you so much for the lovely plant and all your prayers and encouragement during this sad time of loss of Kim’s mother, Hazel Titus.  We are very grateful for our church community.

     Lisa, Kim, & Tierney Titus

Dear Friends,
     How wonderful it is to have such a caring church family!  I would like to thank everyone for the beautiful cards, notes, flowers, calls, and offers of help during my recent surgery and recuperation.  It has meant a lot to me to have such loving support.

     Thank you all.

     Love, Ethelyne Richardsonn

Thank You !
     Thank you, God, for leading us to find your people, our friends at this church, Lake Highlands Presbyterian, last year. Thank you for helping us feel blessed and loved at that first service and for Jan Gifford’s coming that afternoon to our home with that loaf of bread, an offering of the bread of life and love from the church and welcome to us the family of faith where we gather as brothers and sisters to share in your love for all people.
     And especially do we thank you, God for Jan and for her acceptance, love and encouragement for me and Greg, Kimberly and Jennifer, for her involvement and assistance in the girls’ school and extra activities and for Ralph’s steady support in helping us understand and adapt to life and the customs and way of life here.
     Also, God what wonderful love and support I felt from so many brothers and sisters in the church when my father died in Romania, for pastor Bob coming to our home and his continuing love and caring for us at this church you led us to find. Thank you, God for leading us here.
     Thank you, God, that we found this open door to this your house of worship and for the Sunday School and the teachers and all the people.

     For this, O God, we praise you and give you our eternal thanks.

     Corina Ciocan

Thanks to everyone
Who volunteered, baked, donated garage sale items, set up, cleaned up, and grilled hotdogs.  The Youth Garage Sale and LHPW Bake Sale on November 13 were a success.  The Youth made $650 and the Women brought in $521, and Men’s Fellowship made over $100 on hotdog sales.

Honorary Gifts Jennifer & Justin White Robert & Peggy Signall CDC Recovery Gifts Anonymous Melany Gifford Ralph & Jan Gifford Mac Hubbard Al & Delores Iliya Sarah Jones Jim & Cinda Koch Rich & Tammy Mackesey Steve Moore Mason Puckett Harold & Glenn Eva Riggs Herman & Pattye Sawyer Ann Shelton Sammye Wood John & Kay Wyne Contemporary Worship Gifts Steve Moore Jim & Cinda Koch

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

Hollie Higgins has a new position.  She works for the Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, concentrating on a prevention program for 12-17 year olds.

Congratulations to Chris Jacobie for being named to the Regional Orchestra and Regional Jazz Band for two years in a row.  In addition, he was named to the All State Orchestra, double bass, and placed in the All State Jazz Band.  He is the first student from Lake Highlands High School to be named to the top state-wide student orchestra since 1996.

The Church expresses Christian sympathy to the family of Lucille Stipp, who died on Oct. 31st.  Services were at Restland Memorial on November 3.

A new task force of the Congregational Care Committee has been formed.  As part of the emerging care ministry, the members of the task force are planning to talk with every member of the Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church congregation.  We will contact you, to set a time for a visit when we can get to know you better.  We are looking forward to our time with each of you.

Sincerely,

Bert Hager, Eddie Pinnell, Lin Johnson and Martha Boyd

The following persons visited worship during the months of October:

Amy Evans, Laura Taylor, Manny Chavez, Jeanell Garrett, Jim Shelton, Ashley Vernon, Bill & Irene Keil, Ciocan Family, Leslie Durham, Jeff Higgins, Sarah Jones, Cindy Wood, Mark Lester, Maxie Hardin, Dorothy & Roland Mackey, Nic Santangelo, Roy & Vivian Sayler, Bonnie & Robert Thiebaud, Doug Van Wey, Pat West, Ray & Mary Hines, Lindsay Slaydon, Lindsay Leissner, Kyle Johnson, Mary Ann Mitchell, Nadine Maxwell, Paul, Jill, & David Schreiber, Raymond Maciel, Linda Kovak, Craig Crenture, Terry Moore, John Conley, Alfred McCaleb

From the staff and your friends in the Church Office:  Bob E. Shelton, Bob M. Shelton, Sammye Wood, Bob Palmer, Ladell Ritchey, Laura Taylor, Meg Richardson, Peyton Strouth, John Burkwall, Dale Bryant, Kay Wyne

Will be on Sunday, December 19th.  Gift to The King is designated for Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, Denton.  Joy Gift Offering is designated for ministerial relief and minority scholarships.

You contribution will be divided equaly between the two denominations.  Please give generously.

Young at Heart Christmas Party
December 17 at 11:00 a.m.
Covered dish luncheon at the home of Betty Davis, 10859 Carissa—Bring a Christmas Card to Exchange.