The Messenger Newsletter

Sunday, September 10 th
Have you ever wondered what the Sunday School classes are studying and which one you might like to join?  Have you ever wondered what is being planned for the upcoming holiday by the Worship Committee?  Maybe you have wondered what mission projects there are for you to get involved with? Now is your chance to find the answers to these questions and many more!  Each Christian Education class and all programs committees and ministries are gearing up for another exciting year at Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church.

On September 10 th, each group will have information available for you to browse and learn about all the possibilities for you to serve at church.  During the 11:00 a.m. worship service we will recognize our dedicated Christian Education and Child Development Teachers, and announce all our kiddos being promoted to new classes.  And don't forget about the sensational breakfast provided by Men's Fellowship.  Be sure you are here and invite your friends and neighbors so they can come and see what LHPC is all about!

The session Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the following slate of persons who have agreed to serve as members of the Session Class of 2009 if elected by the congregation.  These persons include:  Cris Emrich, Lin Johnson, Paul Kunde, Charles Matz and Lisa Teschner.

These candidates were recommended only after much prayerful thought by the committee.  Such things as attendance, commitment to or participation in the programs and ministries of LHPC, business sense or experience, length of time in which the person has been a member of LHPC, and whether a previously ordained elder.

With such things as these for their criteria, the committee reviewed the list of names suggested by the congregation for this post as well as the membership rolls as a whole and after all of this, the above list was presented to session.

More in-depth information will soon be made available to you.

Special Giving Opportunity
The White Rock Center of Hope, which LHPC has supported for many years, serves five zip codes in the East Dallas area, including 75238, and provides clients with rent, clothing, food, prescriptions, gasoline, school supplies, Christmas toys, and bibles.

The Center is in the process of a large re-modeling and expansion project and has asked for donations of $2500 from area churches to help with the funding.  If you are interested in giving toward this special offering, please mark your donations for the "WRCH Expansion Project".  Contact Missy Rodgers, Missions Committee Chair, for more information at 214-902-9935 or missyro@earthlink.net

Sack Lunch Stories
Bring your lunch and join us on Tuesday, September 5th, as Ginger Williams shares with us her faith story and walk with God.  Also, mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 3rd, when Charles Matz will be sharing his story with us.

2 Cents a Meal
Thank you to all of you who have participated in the 2 Cents a Meal Program.  Since the program began in 2005 we have collected over $600 that has been and will be used for various needs in the church, including the purchase of school supplies for children of Hurricane Katrina.  So look for the orange bucket and keep the "pocket change" coming!  Contact Steve Moore for more details.

"Missionary of the Month"
Beginning in September, the Missions Committee and Reach Out Task Force will be sponsoring a "Missionary of the Month" that will feature missionaries from both the PC(USA) and Cumberland Presbyterian denominations.  We would like to invite everyone to stop by the bulletin board across from the Fellowship Hall to see the display.

Also, please take time to sign the cards that will be sent to the missionaries letting them know that the members and friends of LHPC are thinking of them and that we support the very important work they do for others in the name of Christ.

Congregations for Transformation
This year's ACT event will be held September 29-30, at First Presbyterian Church, Ft Worth. Don't miss it! There are tons of opportunities for everyone and every age in the church. There are brochures located in the Narthex or you can check out the ACT web page at www.gracepresbytery.com.

In addition to the stated meeting of August 21, 2006, the LHPC session was also called to meet on July 16, August 8 and 20, 2006 when three new families were received into membership.  In order that you may be up to date, the following are notes gleaned from the minutes of these meetings...

• Notation was made of the new families who have joined LHPC since the last stated meeting, including Amy and Ron Chester who joined on July 16, Ted and Jeanie Wooldridge who joined on August 6 and Liz and Andy Kershaw who joined on August 20, 2006.
• Note was also taken of the death of Mildred Odum on July 12 and Rosilla Hagen on June 13.
• The CDC Committee happily announced that the Center is still making a profit each month and that enrollment is up to 108 children.  Recent changes have taken place in the staff in that several persons resigned.  They have been replaced with qualified personnel.  It is hoped that you will take the time to meet these people.
• The Stewardship & Finance Committee announced that plans are well under way for this year's Consecration Sunday on November 19.  Tammy Mackesey will serve as Director for this campaign.  More information will be forthcoming as the time draws nearer.  The committee further announced that plans are also currently being made for a new capital funds campaign in the spring of 2007 and that Bill Miller has agreed to be the director for this campaign.
• The Worship Committee announced two changes in the communion schedule.  Communion for the contemporary services will be held on the first Sunday in both September and October;  i.e., September 3 and October 1.
• The Rev. Larry Thomas informed the session that he will be taking vacation time from September 12 to 21.  During his absence Chuck Ramsay will fill the pulpit.

As noted on page two of this issue, a suggested slate of new officers has been prepared by the Nominating Committee and will be presented to the congregation on Sunday, September 24.

Don't forget to check the bulletin board in the long hall for the latest minutes from the last Session meeting!

August is here and the choir is starting to rehearse again.  I know that you all have missed seeing them in the loft because many of you have told me so.  I wanted to let you know that the choir is an open group.  We do not have auditions, and everyone is invited to join us.  The only real requirements are a commitment to be there and to work together with the group.  Choral singing is a group activity and the more the merrier!  We rehearse on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. and then meet most Sundays at 10:30 a.m. before worship begins at 11:00 a.m.  So please prayerfully consider joining the choir. We would love to have you.  You can contact Peyton if you have any questions at peytenor@aol.com or call the church office.

Our Handbell Ensemble has begun to practice again and we are in need of one more ringer!  This is a fun group of people who meet once weekly, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays for practice.  We play several times a season and we would love to have you come join us.

I would like to say thank you to everyone who filled in and helped out with the music for worship this July while I was at youth camp and on vacation.  I've heard nothing but positive comments on the music from both the 9:00 and 11:00 services.  Thanks so much for all of your hard work!

     — Peyton Strouth

Join us on September 23 rd for our annual Women's Retreat sponsored by LHPW.  The retreat will be held here at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Child care will be available and we encourage all our ladies to participate! Our theme for this retreat is "Perfect Timing... seizing the season of your life... making time for God and family while taking care of yourself."

This year's speaker will be Marcie Hatfield. Marcie is the mother of five, the wife of a pastor and a Professional Organizer.  Marcie will speak about time management in our lives and organization in our homes.  She will also lead special breakout sessions on Organization 101 at the retreat.  There will be several other fun breakout sessions offered on handmade card making, mission projects, knitting and crocheting, afternoon tea, and jewelry making.

Registration forms are available at church or on the web site.  Be sure to invite your friends and don't miss this great women's event!!

For questions contact Meg Richardson at 214-348-2133 or meg@lhpres.org.

More Information and down loadable forms...

Mark your calendars for Corner Market, 2006.  It will be on Saturday, November 11 th, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  This annual event features booths filled with crafts, jewelry, and baked goods, as well as handmade and holiday gift items, with all proceeds benefiting the missions and outreach of LHPW.

Men's Fellowship always provides a delectable buffet of food-you know that is not to be missed!  Booth registration forms are available at the church and online, so feel free to pass them on to your friends and neighbors.  Last years market featured forty-four vendors.  If you have any questions, contact Cinda Koch at 214-343-4642 or cinda3305@sbcglobal.net.

More information on the Corner Market with photo's of last years event and down loadable forms for the event.

Circle l meets the third Monday evening of the month at 7:00 p.m.  Renee Kunde is chairperson, and can be contacted at 214-341-7452.

Circle 2 meets the third Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m.  Collene Ziegenfuss is chairperson, and can be reached at 214-348-3513.

Circle of Hope meets the third Wednesday of the month at 9:45 a.m.  Linda Swanson is chairperson, and can be contacted at 214-327-5113.

Circle of Joy meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.  Contact Missy Rodgers, chairperson at 214-902-9935.  Circle of Joy meets through the year, while Circles 1, 2, and Hope meet from September through May.

Wow, this past month's Arts Camp was a huge success!  If you missed the Friday evening performance then I feel sorry for you because it was amazing!  We had over a hundred campers everyday!  They were from our church, the CDC and the community!

During the week they were taught choir, drama, guitar, piano, painting/set design and the story of Noah and the Ark!  Many thanks to all those who volunteered their time and talents for the week!  What a terrific ministry to our community!

     — Meg Richardson

Crosswave Schedule

September 3:-Youth Fellowship 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
September 17:-Youth Fellowship 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
October 1:-Youth Fellowship 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
October 8:-McCree Esprit 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
October 15:-Youth Fellowship 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
October 21:-Youth Garage Sale 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

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

October 21 st, with donations taken from October 15 th-20th.  This event is taking on a new mission.  The youth will only be taking part of the profits from this fund raiser and donating the rest to a church event or committee that they choose.  We will need lots of volunteers to help us with pricing the week before the event, and during the sale.  This is sure to be our biggest garage sale yet!

Mark your Calendar!
McCree Esprit 2006 will be held on Sunday, October 7th, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.  We will need lots of volunteers!  Watch for more information and sign-up sheets.

     First I would like to say thanks to the church administration for allowing me to go and serve the greater church by leading the praise and worship music at this year's church camp.  It was a lot of fun and a lot of work!  I met with the kids and young adults that were to be the praise band for the first time on Friday night (the night before camp).  They blessed us though and we were able to come together and make some great music in only a few hours!  It was great to work with such a young talented group which included our own Lauren Barry as a singer.

     It was awesome to see over 300 hundred kids and youth singing and praising God in an unashamed and passionate way.  The kids had such a great time meeting new people and discovering truth about God and each other together.  It reminded me of my own church camp experiences where I first felt the call into ministry!  I can't wait until next summer to help again!

     — Peyton

---

     Fantastic worship experiences, great small group studies, fun games and recreation... the hot sun, bugs, the smell of sun screen, mediocre food, exhaustion... for some reason we can't seem to get enough of it!  (at least for one week every year that is).  We had another great year at Camp WOW where the Cumberland Presbyterian summer camps were held.  300 campers and counselors spent the week in Oklahoma worshiping, praying, learning and having fun together.  We even had some cool weather... the high for a couple of days was only 98 degrees!  It was great to see our LHPC youth and adults there, to have this experience together and to see those who have never experienced camp have so much fun.  LHPC sent 15 campers and 4 counselors to camp this year.

     A very special thank you to the Men's Fellowship group for doing so many fundraiser's to help pay for camp costs for our campers.  Also, thank you to everyone who has supported the Send A Kid To Camp fundraiser's.  Check out the pictures on the church web site!  Watch for more articles on camp to come from our campers in the next newsletter!

     — Meg

Members, visitors & guests over 55 years in LHPC.  Mark your calendars!  Don't miss two outstanding opportunities.

September 1, 2006  Join us for a delicious lunch and a great program

September 15, 2006  Please gather at 11:00 a.m. in our Fellowship Hall for a special guest speaker and lunch

More Information ...

Men's Fellowship will meet on Tuesday, September 12 th, at 7:00 p.m. for a night of grilling and fun.  The Men's Bible Study Group will meet again on Tuesday, September 5th, at 7:00 p.m.  All the men of LHPC are invited.

Fund raising efforts will continue so that we can support Youth Summer Camp Scholarships.  Over $2,000 was used to help send kids to camp this summer.  We could not have done that without your support.  There will be a special breakfast in conjunction with the Christian Education Committee's Rally Day on Sunday, September 10 th.  Come join us for breakfast on Rally Day!

Dear LHPC Friends & Family:

It is with sincere appreciation that the family of Nelle O'Neal acknowledges the kindness and concern provided by the Lake Highlands Church Family during Nelle's illness and recent death.  This support provided the strength needed to lessen our sense of loss.  We are grateful for your help and your continuing friendship.

     The family of Nelle O'Neal

LHPC:

Thank you for your kindness and sympathy at a time when it was deeply appreciated.  The flowers you sent for Mildred Odum were beautiful.  Thank you for thinking of us.

     Bard Odum

LHPC:

We wish to thank all of our loving, caring church family for this beautiful blooming plant, their prayers, many calls and cards, at the death of our son. Knowing that you were thinking of us at this time of such sadness for us, meant so much.

     Jim & Gail Ansley

Dear Friends at Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church:

Please accept our gratitude for allowing us to use your Fellowship Hall during the week of June 19-23 for Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training.  We had plenty of space for our forty-five participants, as well as excellent facilities: parking, tables, chairs, and kitchen.  The church staff and volunteers were outstanding in terms of friendliness and support.

The Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse is a private, nonprofit organization that has been serving Dallas and its surrounding communities with prevention and intervention services since 1946.  Its mission is to improve our communities' health, safety and productivity by reducing the incidence and impact of alcohol and drug abuse.  Substance abuse affects every member of our society, directly or indirectly.  We appreciate that Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church is concerned about this and other social issues, and that you provide not only a meaningful place of worship, but also a resource for community outreach and education.

     Debbie Meripolski, Executive Director
     Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Memorials Rosie Hagen Jo B. Alton Veryl Johnson Dan & Cindy Wadley Mildred Odum Mary Beth Bigger J.B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Jim & Danna Pool Nelle O'Neal BSA Troop #707 Mr. & Mrs. E.A. Fowler Charles & JoMarie Goldsberry Eloise Love Tara Puckett Jean Starkey Fred Pannek Keith & Charlotte Meek LHPC Women Charles Pinnell Ann Shelton Leon Scroggins Linda Valderas E.H. Sudderth Jack & Barbara Sudderth Honorary Gifts In Honor of Peyton Strouth Bob & Ione Humphrey Arts Camp Sponsors Dee Ashley Bill & Martha Boyd Ralph & Jan Gifford Carol Greenman Maxie Hardin Billie Hill Al & Dolores Iliya Paul & Renee Kunde Eloise Love Glen & Geri MCleskey J.B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Margaret Phillips Lori Salerno Peggy Signall Mary Simpson Dale Talley Linda Valderas Dan & Cindy Wadley Ginger Williams Leslie Durham Anna Wynne Arts Camp Sponsors Anna Wynne Nelle O'Neal Memorials, designated for LHPC Choir

CDC Gifts Anonymous Conor Puckett Mason Puckett Choir Gifts The Ciocans Mr. & Mrs. E. A. Fowler, Jr. Charles & JoMarie Goldsberry Bob & Ione Humphrey Tara Puckett Jack & Barbara Sudderth Anna Wynne Music Ministries/POH Anonymous Jo B. Alton Dee Ashley Mary Beth Bigger Betty Davis Cal & Johnie Foster Ralph & Jan Gifford Charles & Jo Marie Goldsberry Travis Greenman Billie Hill Bob & Ione Humphrey Mac Hubbard Chris Jacobie Eloise Love Steve Moore J. B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass Audrey Pierce Eddie Pinnell Jim & Danna Pool Jon & Cass Rinehart Virginia Salter Ann Shelton Velma C. Smith Jack & Barbara Sudderth Linda Swanson Dale Talley Joy Valderas Larry & Gladys Williams Sound System Steve Moore Jean Starkey Youth Fund Bob & Ione Humphrey Keith & Charlotte Meek J. B. & Mary Lou Pendergrass

Welcome to our world!  Katherine "Kate" Elizabeth Jeter.  Tuesday, August 1, 2006  11:30 a.m.  5 lbs. 15 oz.; 19 inches  Proud parents are Justin & Amy Jeter!

Welcome to our world!  Phillip Logan Chester. Tuesday, August 15 th, 2006  2:39 p.m.  7 lbs. 2 oz.;  19 inches  Proud parents are Ron & Amy Chester, and big sis is Lauren!

The church expresses Christian Sympathy to the Family of Mildred Odum.  Mildred died on July 12, 2006, with services held at Wildwood Chapel at Restland Cemetery in Dallas.

The church expresses Christian Sympathy to the Hagen Family, in the death of Rosilla Hagen, former member of Colonial Presbyterian Church.  Mrs. Hagen died in West Hills, California on June 13, 2006.

LHPC visitors for worship during the months of June and July are listed below:

Lillian Quinn, Greg Harrison, Autumn Howell, Sharon Morrow, Andrea Vanderpool, Ciocan Family, Barry & Sandy Litchfield, Doug Van Wey, Frank Duckett, Patti, Greg, Michelle & Matt Smith, Amanda Martin, B.J. Thomas, Bob & Maryellen Volker, Cindy Wood, Rachel Glass, Lou Winger, Tricia & Alyssa Perchalla, Lillian Drum, Mary Ann Mitchell, Claire Matz, Peter Swanson, Mike & Linda Shaub, Richard & Jackie Mackesey, Betsy Mobley, Allison Jon Meyers, Kirk & Cyndi Schneider, Sarah Rider, Robby Rodgers, Suzie Bradley, Baxter Conley, Betsy London, Trey Ramsay & Family, Hilda Ramsay, Dottie & Roland Mackey, Vincent Padilla, Tom & Lynn McIntire, Bob & Judy Thornton, Betsy Longdow, Brian & Shannon Moon, Anne Odum Stoop, Kathy Faw, Bill Williams, Catherine Monk, Daniel & Gretchen Downs, Suzanne Madrid, Mike & Heidi Barnett, Gail Bannon, Mary Alice Phillips, Heather Williams, Michael Elzando, Scott & Diane Williams, James & Kay Duss, Joyce & David Lindauer

The Pastor Nominating Committee continues to meet twice monthly and we are currently completing the Church Information Form, for publication to all Pastoral Candidates.  Please keep this committee and our church in your thoughts and prayers as we all continue to work through the pastoral search process.

Do you have a Corner Market yard sign tucked away in your garage somewhere?  Well, it is time we gather those up so that they, can be redistributed for this years event.  Please return signs to the Fellowship Hall near the "Collection Corner" as soon as possible.