2016 may - the shepherd's watch quarterly newsletter

Shepherd’s WatchThe

May 2016

Quarterly Newsletter of Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas

Sowing Seeds of KnowledgeYou should be praying about these Adult Ministry discipleship opportunities

PlantingPreparing for the Harvest

Rooted In Worship This SummerCheck out our fantastic lineup of home-grown and guest preachers on the summer schedule!

From the EditorSOWING SEEDSby Mary Aversa

God’s word will undoubtedly accomplish what God desires and achieve the purpose for which it was sent. Think about that for a minute. We can fret, toil, spin circles trying to achieve God’s purpose..and we can (and will OFTEN) fail. His purpose, however, will still ultimately be achieved.

That’s what the book of Isaiah tells us in chapter 55 verses 10-11.

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Rain is such a familiar image for us this spring with the plentiful rains we’ve had recently. Imagine trying to hold one of those torrential rains back as it falls from the sky, attempting to keep it from reaching the earth and watering the vegetation below.

Impossible!

It’s just as impossible for us to impede the accomplishment of the word and will of God.

I love the image of the rain yielding “seed for the sower and bread for the eater.” God’s word offers us the same—the seeds of relationship and roots of discipleship, then when we allow the Word to nourish those seeds, we reap a beautiful harvest as we grow and serve together as a community of faith.

This summer, we’ll sow seeds in many, many ways. Our children will experience the joy of relationship with God and each other in Vacation Bible School and Club H2O. Our middle school and high school students will serve together and grow deeper roots in summer camps, and some will enter into discipling relationships here at home. In worship, we will welcome a lineup of guest preachers and our own associate pastors as we build excitement and prepare for the Senior Pastor whom God will call to SHPC.

And as we seek to plant those seeds in just the manner God desires for us, we, as “eaters of the bread,” look as forward to the feast as we achieve the purpose for which He sends us.

Mary AversaSHPC Business Manager & Communications Director

InsideLife In The Flock ....................................................................................1

Mission ....................................................................................................4

Children’s Ministry..................................................................................6

True Student Ministry ............................................................................9

Adult Ministry ......................................................................................10

Prime Time ...........................................................................................13

Subscribe to this newsletter online at tinyurl.com/shpc-nl

STAFF GUIDE Senior Pastor (Interim) | Rev. Jim Capps Associate Pastor | Rev. Britta Dukes Associate Pastor | Rev. Mike Killeen

Dir. of Children’s Ministries | Chris Gordon Dir. of Adult Ministries | Sherry Smith Worship Arts Dir. | Beth Mueller

Choir Director | Tony Gibbs Worship Tech Dir. | Michael Glass Preschool Dir. | Pattie Lawrence

Business & Communications Dir. | Mary Aversa Office Administrator | Cathy Williams Accountant | Holly Spink

This summer, SHPC will prepare for our next season of new growth... page 1

On the cover...New growth on Muscat Blanc vines at Westcave Cellars, owned by SHPC members Allan & Margaret Fetty

New growth on Muscat Blanc vines at Westcave Cellars, owned by SHPC members Allan & Margaret Fetty

1May 2016 | The Shepherd’s Watch

appreciatelove

Life In The Flock

PREPARING FOR A FUTURE HARVESTby Rev. Jim Capps

Growing up on a fruit farm in Michigan, I harvested fruit from trees which other people had planted and nurtured. Likewise, there were a few times when I helped to prepare fields and plant trees from which I never harvested. That’s the way it works.

That reminds me of I Corinthians 3:6-8:

“I (Paul) planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and each one will be rewarded according to his own labor.”

As I complete my fourth interim experience here at SHPC, I am keenly aware that it has been my job to prepare the field for yur next season in ministry. There have been wonderful harvests in the past. Now God will be calling a leader to labor alongside of you in the future planting seeds and harvesting the fruit. Ultimately it will be God making the seeds sprout, the blossoms make way for fruit, and the bumper crop harvest.

As I reflect on these past 15 months, I am filled to overflowing with gratitude and praise to God. You are a wonderful church situated here in the Lone Star State and the fastest growing large city in the country. With Texas openness and hospitality as well as 120 new people moving into Austin each day, you have a very fertile field capable of growing some amazing fruit. With so much potential, never forget that it is God who makes things grow and brings the harvest.

I have been privileged to serve among a wonderful staff who love you, the Church Family, and love laboring alongside of you, bearing fruit together. It has been so special to see God blending their gifts together with yours to labor in the field with you.

This was not an easy season for a committed group of ruling elders whom God called to be your Session. There were tears and heartaches as they had to dismantle a very special dream. It was almost like tearing out some trees from an orchard in order to make room for what God wants to do in the future.

God also called a caring group of deacons who take their ministry very seriously. I have been deeply moved by their desire to be God’s listening ears, embracing arms and soothing voices to people in all kinds of need.

As I write these words, I am not certain where next God is leading me. It could be to my home in the mountains of Florida (800 feet above sea level). Or, it could be one more opportunity to be with a church family in transition preparing a field for a new season of ministry.

Thank you one and all for your many expressions of hospitality, love and kindness during my time with you.

May God bless you and make you a ministry.

Upcoming All-Church Events & OpportunitiesPrimeTime, Children’s, and Student Ministry events are listed in their own newsletter sections.

May 29 ........Holy Smokes BBQ Beth Mueller | [email protected]

June 5 ...........Volunteer Recognition Beth Mueller | [email protected]

June 10 .........Married People Event .......................7 :00 p.m. Rev. Britta Dukes | [email protected]

July 21 ...........Married People Date Night ............7:00 p.m. Rev. Britta Dukes | [email protected]

July 24 ..........Guatemala Mission Trip .................through July 31 Cathy Beard | [email protected]

Check www.calendar.shpc.org for a full listing of church events and

calendar items!

Reverend Jim Capps We love you and appreciate you! We look forward to celebrating your time with Shepherd of the Hills at

the Holy Smokes BBQ!

Rev. Dr. Theodore J. Wardlaw, President, Austin Seminary, and Professor of Homiletics and renowned preacher

Beaman FloydDid you know our 9:30 Bass player has a Masters degree in Theological Studies from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary? And he can preach almost as well as he plays bass!

Rev. Anne Beall Retired pastor of Wimberley Presbyterian Church

Rev. Sallie Watson, the newly installed General Presbyter of Mission Presbytery

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Rigby, Professor of Theology, Austin Seminary, renowned speaker, preacher and teacher

Rev. Dr. David Evans, Founding Pastor of SHPC

2 The Shepherd’s Watch | May 2016

Life In The Flock

Rooted in Worshipby Beth Mueller

If you were thinking this summer would be the perfect time to sleep in, skip church and go to brunch, THINK AGAIN! Summer is a great time to slow down, sink those discipleship roots a little deeper and focus on worship. We have invited some amazing preachers to be with us this summer and you won’t want to miss a week.

Our summer family worship will center on Jesus; who he is, and what he did during his ministry on earth. As always, summer worship is particularly family friendly. This year we are inviting elementary children and youth to help us out up front with some of the liturgy!

Here is the summer line up of preachers:

Jun 5 .............Rev. David Evans

Jun 12............Rev. Dr Theodore Warlaw

Jun 19 ...........Rev. Mike Killeen

Jun 26 ..........Rev. Britta Dukes

Jul 3 ...............Beaman Floyd

Jul 10 .............Rev. Mike Killeen

Jul 17, ............Rev. Davis Evans

Jul 24 ............Rev. Anne Beall

Jul 31 .............Rev. Mike Killeen

Aug 7 ...........Rev. Britta Dukes

Aug 14 .........Rev. Sallie Watson

Aug 21 ..........Rev. Dr Cynthia Rigby,

Aug 28 .........Rev. Britta Dukes

As you can see, we have some talented guest preachers, old friends, and of course, our own wonderful Associate Pastors, leading us in worship! This summer will be a great opportunity to hear the Word of God from a variety of voices, in a variety of styles. What better way to prepare for our next Senior Pastor?

Meet Our Summer 2016 Guest Preachers!


Life In The Flock

PRESBYTERIAN 101: How Exactly Does One Become A Presbyterian Minister?by Beth Mueller

Since SHPC has been in the process of finding a new Senior Pastor, many of us have had questions about who is eligible, and how the process works. These are great questions, but let’s back up a little from the pastor nominating process and look at how Presbyterian pastors become pastors.

Most mainline denominations, such as Presbyterian, Methodist or Episcopalian, for example, require their clergy to complete at least a Masters Degree in Divinity or Theology, before they can be considered for the role of Pastor of a congregation.Independent churches (like non-denominational churches, congregational churches or independent Baptists) can choose people based their gifts, and may not have any academic requirements at all. An individual can also just start an Independent Church, like Promised Land in south Austin, or Lakewood Church in Houston. Lakewood was founded by John Osteen, who was then succeeded by his son Joel Osteen, whose degree is actually in Radio and Television Communications (which he seems to be putting to great use!)

It is true that most denominations have a much more in-depth, complicated process for ordination (the official term for being “certified” to be a pastor) than independent churches, and that is rooted in the deep belief that not only does God call individuals to serve the church in this way, but that the community must confirm that call. (Keep in mind that Jim Jones claimed to be called by God as he was passing around the grape Kool aid.) Denominations also have checks and balances to make sure individuals are appropriately equipped for work in the church.

Presbyterians understand a call to ministry to have three parts: 1) an inner sense of call through the leading of God’s Spirit, 2) a community that tests this sense of call and 3) a call from a community to serve in a particular place.

A person who feels called by God to be a Presbyterian minister, also known as a

“teaching elder” or “minister of the Word and Sacrament,” begins by expressing that desire to a church’s session (governing board). The person must be a member of that church, and have been active in its worship life and ministry to its community for at least six months. If, based on its experience the the person through shared ministry, the session agrees the individual may be called by God to a particular ministry, the request proceeds to a committee of the church’s presbytery (regional governing body) that works with people to deepen their understanding of God’s call and to develop their gifts for ministry.

Next comes an “inquiry” period, during which the person explores the implications of becoming a minister together with the session and the presbytery committee. Its purpose is to determine the person’s suitability for ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

If the presbytery is satisfied regarding the individual’s suitability for ordination, it may advance the person to a second phase of preparation referred to as “candidacy.” During this phase, full and intensive preparation occurs under scrutiny of the session and the presbytery’s oversight committee.

Candidates are required have a college undergraduate degree (usually four years) and complete a seminary degree (usually three years). In addition, candidates must pass national exams that demonstrate their competence in the fields of theology, Bible (including content and the interpretation of Scripture utilizing a working knowledge of Greek and Hebrew), church polity, and worship and sacraments.

A candidate may only begin seeking a place for ordained service once the presbytery concludes there is evidence that the individual is ready to begin ministry of the Word and Sacrament. If the candidate receives a validated call to ministry, that presbytery ordains him or her as a teaching elder. Only a presbytery may

ordain a minister, not a congregation.

In general, denominational churches hire pastors who have been ordained by that denomination. Occasionally, a presbytery (the regional governing body who ordains pastors) will allow a pastor who was ordained in another tradition to work at a Presbyterian church, but that is an unusual circumstance, and the individual must often fulfill additional requirements. What that means for us at SHPC, is that our new pastor will (most likely) be ordained by the PCUSA or the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. It also means that our presbytery (Mission Presbytery) has to approve of our choice, before that person can be hired.

While some may see this process as cumbersome, to be honest, it is one of the things I love about being part of a “connectional” church. It is another way of saying… “You aren’t alone! There are many people outside your congregation who are rooting for you, praying for you, and discerning with you, where God want to lead you! “ Being connected in ministry to other churches across the globe, is a wonderful thing. And having friends to turn to, in times of trouble or uncertainty is wonderful as well. The goals of these steps is not to encumber a congregation or an individual, but to simply confirm wisdom and discernment, and to add a collective Amen! to God’s call on our individual lives, and congregational ministries. And, wouldn’t you want someone to tell Jim Jones that he can’t work in our church?


MISSION

Disaster Response At Home And Abroadby Cathy Beard

The first SHPC disaster response trip was led by Tary Snyder in 1999 to Cuero, TX, the most impacted area in south-central Texas when storms caused flooding in the Guadalupe and San Antonio River basins. Since then many SHPC members have volunteered to help with fire, flood and wind damage in and around central Texas, repairing homes and offering comfort for those in crisis. Remember Hurricanes Katrina and Rita when SHCP supplied housing for many evacuees, welcomed them into our church, and even drove them back home when they were able to return? And last year, several SHPC members assisted in the Memorial Day flood cleanup, including doing work at John Knox Ranch.

Five years ago, the SHPC mission committee voted to also include in assistance our brothers and sisters across the world when a disaster strikes. In 2011 funds were sent the day after the earthquake and tsunami struck in Japan. Each year since then financial assistance have been sent when a major disaster occurs, like the hurricane in Haiti in 2012, and in 2014 to help fight the war on Ebola. This past April $5,000 was sent to aid victims for the two earthquakes in Japan and Ecuador. Funds are usually sent through World Vision or Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, two trusted sources for disbursing funds. We thank you for your tithes and offerings that has allowed our church to be a part of combatting suffering around the world, as well as in our own backyard. Interested in giving more? Check out Presbyterian Disaster Assistance at https://pda.pcusa.org or World Vision at http://www.worldvision.org/our-impact/disaster-relief. Contact Mike Killeen if you’d like to be put on a list to help out with the next local disaster.

Become a Kids Hope Mentor. You Will Change a Life.by Karen Johnson

How much time does it take to change the course of a child’s life? If you are in a mentoring relationship with an at-risk child, it can be as little as one hour a week. Through Kids Hope USA, SHPC is entering its fifth year with Williams Elementary, a school in south Austin with a high number of at-risk children. These are children who need a loving, faithful adult to spend one hour a week letting them know that they matter. This hour is spent reading, playing games, talking, or playing outside. These children can be forever impacted by the knowledge that an adult cares enough to spend time with them each week, and the reading level improvement can have a significant effect on dropout rates in high school.

Read more about Kids Hope from SHPC mentors and a teacher at Williams Elementary:

“I have enjoyed the continuity of meeting the same student for two years. When we see each other it's like meeting a good friend for coffee now; we are truly glad to see each other. My student is very affectionate and has a wonderful sense of humor.” Sue Lagerquist, Kids Hope mentor

”I love having kids in my life and the hour with Isabella is an hour to enjoy a child--no work, no worries about raising her--just enjoying a child.” Polly Retz, Kids Hope mentor

“I love the Kids Hope mentoring program. I have one 5th grade student who has had

the same mentor for the past few years and you can see the special bond that the two have formed throughout their time together. My student loves getting the one on one attention and know that there mentor is another person in their life who is there for them and cheering them on. I have seen a great improvement in confidence with this student which I think comes from the extra support of the mentor.” Jessica Boone, Williams Elementary teacher

We must have more mentors to meet the needs of the children, and we’d love to have you! Please email [email protected] for more information about mentoring.


MissionThank You, SHPC!Sue Lagerquist, Easter Egg Adoption Coordinator, Kids Hope USA

By Easter, SHPC members and guests had fulfilled 183 requests for educational materials made by the faculty and staff of our Kids Hope partner, Williams Elementary School. The response to the need at Williams was phenomenal.

We already have a significant “boots on the ground” presence with our weekly mentoring, but the school has material needs as well. As a retired teacher, I understand how schools are provided only with basics, but those may not meet the needs of the population.

Every week when I visit my little boy, I marvel at the hard work the faculty and staff do to keep up an atmosphere of encouragement and dignity. The halls are lined with displays and student-made products to show that there is an expectation that education will be valued and that students will stay in school until they graduate. But there is no money from the school district to provide incentives to support these expectations.

This is where Shepherd of the Hills and Kids Hope come in. We provide incentives—from special reading materials, money for more challenging math programs, and student rewards to better cleaning materials for the janitors—because when families and community members see a well-tended, sparkling clean school, it fosters a sense of pride and encourages dedication to the school. Some of our gift cards were used for development of the landscaping and the vegetable gardens. The displays of native plants around the school are lovely; the gardens are the pride of the students.

This year, there was an extra special treat for Williams. SHPC members Pam and Wayne Gonzalez contributed two pallets...yes, pallets...of student supplies and office materials to the school. Their driver delivered the materials directly to the school and placed them in the workroom

for us. The teachers looked like little kids shopping for a special present as they selected out what would be most helpful to them. The area has a mobile population and so often when new students check in to school they arrive empty handed. Teachers have been providing the needed materials from their own pockets, so Pam and Wayne blessed all the teachers with their generosity, and we are also grateful!

We received thank you cards from each faculty member as well as from the staff. All the cards were posted in the narthex at SHPC several Sundays for all to see, but here are a few quotes:

From the principal’s administrative assistant, Tracy: “All of you are so very generous. There are no words to express how grateful we are to have your support and help.”

Ms. Lyman, the Literacy Specialist, writes:” it is so nice to feel appreciated.”

Cristina Pena, from second grade, said “ I could never thank you enough for your thoughtful and generous gift. May God bless you for your kindness.”

Ms. Koegler writes “ Thank you for your wonderful support! You always take care of us and it's such a treat.”

Finally, from Ms. Len, a Pre-K Dual Language teacher, come these words: With your gifts we were able to buy caterpillars that we will watch transform into butterflies, new books and art supplies! Your support means so much to us.”

Caterpillars? Who knew? But how appropriate to share during a season when we celebrate resurrection?


PCHAS – An Amazing SHPC Partnerby Tammy Boehman

PCHAS – just what does that stand for? Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services of Texas and Louisiana to be exact. What do they do? So much! Their mission is to “provide Christ-centered care and support to children and families in need.” How exactly do they do that? Through seven programs, four of which are offered here in Austin. With our help, they served more than 3,400 children and families in 2015. Here is what those four programs provide.

Foster Care: When matching foster children with foster parents, we carefully consider the unique needs of each child. In addition, our foster parents are carefully screened, trained and supported financially, emotionally and spiritually.

Adoption Services: Our adoption services include training and support groups for couples seeking to adopt. We also provide support for pregnant women considering an adoption plan for their child.

Child and Family Program: Parenting is never easy. When facing poverty, divorce, mental or physical disability, even the most loving families can break apart. Our masters-degree level specialists help

preserve families in times of high stress. Each specialist works with families in their own homes.

Education: We provide tutoring, counseling and support for every child in our Group Homes. We help our high school graduates apply for admissions, financial aid and scholarships for college or vocational training. Thanks to an endowed scholarship fund, PCHAS is able to assist them with tuition and living expenses. When former clients seek our help, we provide career counseling, emotional support and short-term financial assistance.

I have had the privilege of serving as an ambassador for PCHAS to SHPC for the past few years and would love to find someone to join me in serving this amazing organization. It requires maybe 1-2 hours of work per month at most, usually via e-mail.

Not ready to be an ambassador but want to get involved? The Piece on Earth Quilting group at SHPC has taken on a project to make weighted blankets used by kids with sensory processing disorders for PCHAS. They are currently working on their first test blanket and hope to finish 4 by the end of the year. We are also discussing a drive

for “fidget bag” items – things parents can keep on hand and give to their children in situations where they might otherwise choose to misbehave. This would include activity books, hot wheels cars, small play-doh containers, drawing utensils and paper among other items. After we collect items, plans are being made for families to come together to stuff the items into bags for the child and family program to hand out to clients.

Keep your eyes open for more information on this over the summer months, and let me know if you’d like to help me plan/coordinate this effort.

Monetary donations are of course always appreciated and wisely spent.

If you have some time during the week, PCHAS has opportunities to help out at their home office located here in Austin.

For more information on any of the above opportunities or PCHAS in general, please contact Tammy Boehman at 512-695-6644 and/or [email protected].

Mission

Congratulations Rev. Mlindakaya Phiri!We have been honored to help support Rev. Phiri as he pursued his Masters of

Divinity at Austin Theological Seminary, and we have enjoyed our friendship with him as he worshiped at Shepherd of the Hills during his time in Austin.

We congratulate Rev. Phiri on his graduation and hope for many blessings for Mlindakaya, his wife, Alice, and the community God is calling them to serve in Malawi.


Children & FamiliesDear Parents with Young Children in Churchby Jamie Bruesehoff

You are doing something really, really important. I know it’s not easy. I see you with your arms overflowing, and I know you came to church already tired. Parenting is tiring. Really tiring.

I watch you bounce and sway trying to keep the baby quiet, juggling the infant carseat and the diaper bag as you find a seat. I see you wince as your child cries. I see you anxiously pull things out of your bag of tricks to try to quiet them.

And I see you with your toddler and your preschooler. I watch you cringe when your little girl asks an innocent question in a voice that might not be an inside voice let alone a church whisper. I hear the exasperation in your voice as you beg your child to just sit, to be quiet as you feel everyone’s eyes on you. Not everyone is looking, but I know it feels that way.

I know you’re wondering, is this worth it? Why do I bother? I know you often leave church more exhausted than fulfilled. But what you are doing is so important.

When you are here, the church is filled with a joyful noise. When you are here, the Body of Christ is more fully present. When you are here, we are reminded that this worship thing we do isn’t about Bible Study or personal, quiet contemplation but coming together to worship as a community where all are welcome, where we share in

the Word and Sacrament together.When you are here, I have hope that these pews won’t be empty in ten years when your kids are old enough to sit quietly and behave in worship. I know that they are learning how and why we worship now, before it’s too late. They are learning that worship is important.

I see them learning. In the midst of the cries, whines, and giggles, in the midst of the crinkling of pretzel bags and the growing pile of crumbs I see a little girl who insists on going two pews up to share peace with someone she’s never met. I hear a little boy slurping (quite loudly) every last drop of his communion wine out of the cup determined not to miss a drop of Jesus. I watch a child excitedly color a cross and point to the one in the front of the sanctuary. I hear the echos of Amens just a few seconds after the rest of the community says it together. I watch a boy just learning to read try to sound out the words in the worship book or count his way to Hymn 672. Even on weeks when I can’t see my own children learning because, well, it’s one of those mornings, I can see your children learning.

I know how hard it is to do what you’re doing, but I want you to know, it matters. It matters to me. It matters to my children to not be alone in the pew. It matters to the congregation to know that families care about faith, to see young people… and even

on those weeks when you can’t see the little moments, it matters to your children.

It matters that they learn that worship is what we do as a community of faith, that everyone is welcome, that their worship matters. When we teach children that their worship matters, we teach them that they are enough right here and right now as members of the church community. They don’t need to wait until they can believe, pray or worship a certain way to be welcome here, and I know adults who are still looking to be shown that. It matters that children learn that they are an integral part of this church, that their prayers, their songs, and even their badly (or perfectly timed depending on who you ask) cries and whines are a joyful noise because it means they are present.

I know it’s hard, but thank you for what you do when you bring your children to church. Please know that your family - with all of its noise, struggle, commotion, and joy – are not simply tolerated, you are a vital part of the community gathered in worship.

Bruesehoff, Jamie, “Dear Parents with Young Children in Church,” Web blog post, iamtotallythatmom.blogspot.com, May 19, 2013. Reprinted with permission

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PRESCHOOL

SHPC

NEWS


Children & Families

A Time for PreparationAs summer approaches and the spring semester comes to

a close, we find ourselves preparing for Preschool summer camps at SHPC!!

Our summer camps are an excellent way for your child to stay engaged and have a ton of fun this summer! Each session lasts Mon-Thurs from 9am-1pm, and will consist of activities that encourage whole child development. Students will participate in developmentally appropriate science experiments, fine and gross motor activities, connected literature and so much more.

Each week will focus on a different theme, so sign your child up for multiple sessions - there's much more fun to be had just around the corner! Registration is currently open. To check on session availability, please contact the preschool office: [email protected] or 512-892-7528.

The summer camps are open to children 2 years old – exiting kindergarten students.

Our dates and themes will be…Session 1: June 13-16 Circus Session 2: June 27-30 CampingSession 3: July 11-14 Ocean Session 4: July 18-21 GardeningSession 5: August 1-4 Transportation Session 6: August 8-11 Cooking

In addition to preparing for summer camps, we have spent lots of time this school year preparing for A much needed new playground!

As our students spend lots of time outdoors, our well-loved wooden play structure is in dire need of replacement. It has been on the playground for over 20 years now, and the hot Texas sun has been really hard on the wood. The SHPC Preschool Board of Directors and staff have been working hard to raise enough funds to replace the structure in the next few years. In addition to our Fall Yankee Candle Fund Raiser, the preschool has been hosting regular Spirit Nights at various locations around town, with food sale proceeds going directly towards the playground fund.

The most notable fund raising thus far has come from our 30th Anniversary Spring Carnival. The preschool Board of Directors and Staff worked hard to put on one amazing event! With 100+ donors, 100+ volunteers, and 300+ attendees, we raised over $6000 for the playground fund! So far we have raised $18,000 towards our $40,000 goal. It was a big effort and a lot of hard work, but it was such a fun and worthwhile fundraising event! A big thank you from the preschool goes out to all the families who helped or supported this endeavor. We couldn't have done it without you!!

Upcoming Children’s Ministries Events

May 29 ........Last Day of UpStreet for Elementary Kids for the 2015/16 school year! Chris Gordon |[email protected]

June 20 ........Vacation Bible School ....................................................... through June 24 Chris Gordon |[email protected]

Aug 8 ...........Club H2O ................................................................................ through Aug 12 Chris Gordon |[email protected]


True Student Ministries

Upcoming True Student Ministries Event Dates & Times Visit www.iamtrue.org for more events & info, contact Rev. Mike Killeen: [email protected]

Jun 26-Jul 2 ............Great Escape Middle School Camp

Jul 25-29 ..................SWITCH Camp for Middle & High School

@tr

uesh

pc

For up-to-the-minute info, follow us on Instagram!

DISCIPLESHIP MATTERSBecause Jesus told us to Go and Make Disciples.What images come to mind when you think about the word

discipleship? As someone who has been deeply involved in the Church since High school, my understanding of this word has gone through many revisions and refinements through the years, and I am certain it will continue to evolve.

When I was in High School, I was approached to take part in a discipleship strategy that our associate pastor had dreamed up. He said, “What if we took Jesus’s words and actions regarding discipleship seriously? What if we were intentional, using the same strategies Jesus used (where we could), sharing his message and following his command to “go and make disciples?”

He challenged us to answer these questions for ourselves, and a handful of adults and students said yes, embarking on a year of relationship and study, focusing on equipping and challenging students as disciples. It wasn't really a “program” but more of a commitment to become more like Christ, acting on what we learned.

In my time in ministry, I've seen many effective ways to help people meet, understand, and even become a follower of Jesus. What I struggle with is that Jesus didn’t ask us to go only that far in our relationship with him; to be a disciple, one must be a learner and a follower...AND also strive to emulate Jesus and pass on his teachings.

I have learned that classes, small groups, targeted programs and even powerful worship are not enough to really move people into deep discipleship. Often these result in deep knowledge and great experience, but those results may also be achieved without taking much action. Even though discipleship was Jesus’s primary strategy when it came to changing the world, it sometimes feels as if I and the Church has forgotten how it all got started. Jesus simply poured himself deeply into the lives of a few and then told them to do the same with others.

I am sure those first disciples did not feel ready. The text even says some still had doubts after seeing and touching the risen Christ, but he issued the command nonetheless.

As pastor who preaches and teaches multiple times each week, what I have to say next may blow your mind.

Preaching and teaching will never be enough.

Preaching is of great importance, but it isn’t the primary path to making disciples. I used to think that the preaching moment in worship was the most powerful way to become a disciple. Discipleship, however, is

deeply personal and requires an investment of the disciples and a commitment on the part of the one being discipled.

Discipleship cannot be programed…It has to be lived out daily. Simply put, disciples make disciples who make disciples. Discipleship was always intended to be the lifestyle of every Christian. Yes, every Christian. There are no elite Christians whom God told to make disciples. He told us all to go and make disciples.

As a disciple of Jesus, I am invited into this same mission. As someone who has the privilege of discipling others, I get to invite them to join me as we live out Jesus’s plan for our lives together. We get to restore and reconcile. Not just on Sundays, or on the occasional Saturday outreach, or even on a mission trip, but every day and everywhere we go. As a disciple of Jesus, learning to follow Him as Teacher, I get to bring the Kingdom into every situation and open myself to what He will do through me.

Our high school True students have been challenged to pray about and possibly seek a discipling relationship with someone in the church. If you are curious about taking Christ’s command to make disciples a little more seriously than you have in the past let’s chat about how we can make that happen together.


Adult MinistryPlanting the Seeds of Knowledgeby Sherry Smith

Imagine...

…a church that expects every member not simply to show up every week but to grow every day as a disciple of Christ and to look for ways to be equipped for ministry.

…members of the body of Christ shaped by a shared knowledge and understanding of the whole biblical story and its connection to their stories.

…a church where every adult has read and studied the Bible and has spent time prayerfully considering their gifts as disciples and their role as servant-leaders.

…a worship experience where members of the congregation recognize the scriptural images and references in the songs they sing each week in worship.

…parents, equipped with an understanding of the Bible, able to answer their children’s questions about God and lead them into a Christian lifestyle.

All of the above are dreams and goals of our Adult Ministry’s classes in general and of our Disciple and Covenant series classes in particular. None of the above happens easily or naturally. They all require dedication and effort. We must imagine them, then want them, and then strive for them.

I want to “plant the seeds” in your minds now so you can begin to think about how you want to “grow” as disciples in the fall. We plan to have both a Disciple 1 class and a Disciple 2 class. If there is interest, we will offer a series of Covenant classes again. We also plan to add an Adult Sunday School class from 9:30 to 10:30 in the Library. Please go ahead and contact me if you think you might be interested in any of these. (Sherry Smith at 512-656-1581 or [email protected])

You don’t have to accomplish the whole study of the Bible at once. Just commit to reading the Bible this week, perhaps a little in the morning, while waiting at the doctor’s office, waiting for ballet or soccer practice to end, or just a bit before bedtime to get away from the cares of the day. Then week by week, eventually, this becomes a natural part of the pattern of your life. And by joining with others on a similar journey and comparing thoughts and sharing questions you help each other grow in your biblical understanding and you begin to apply this understanding to your lives.

During the week’s daily studies you delve deep into scripture on your own but then in the weekly classes you learn and grow by hearing other’s understanding and experiences. First time Bible students often ask the very best questions and help others grow with new and insightful input. The class groups can become incredibly close as they go through each other’s life experiences together. They become an important support group for each other. At the end of Disciple 1 there is a time when we tell each other what we each see as the other’s God-given gifts and then we encourage each other to figure out how best to use those gifts. For many, that can be the most life-changing part of Disciple. All of these things work together to explain why we say Disciple goes beyond information to become transformation.

Disciple is a September to May, Bible study that meets for two hours each week for thought-provoking group discussions. The heart of this program is about transformation rather than just information. Participants learn how to live their lives as disciples.

There are four separate studies. The first one is an overview of about 70% of the Bible. It is strongly suggested that you take this Disciple 1 class before taking any of the upper level

classes that dig more specifically into certain books of the Bible. Disciple 2 focuses on Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts.

Covenant is an in-depth group Bible Study that focuses on our relationships with God, with each other, and with the world. It differs from other Bible studies in that it emphasizes the biblical concept of Covenant—the enduring commitment between God and people—as a unifying pattern throughout the entire Bible. It underscores the unique relationship that God chooses with us as God’s people.

The 24-week study covers the whole Bible by moving between the Old and New Testaments—discussing books from each in a way that shows the interconnectedness of scripture as a whole.

To help the Covenant group deal with busy schedules, the episodes are structured in a modular way to provide flexibility without sacrificing committed study. Three 8-episode segments each explore a different aspect of Covenant life. Each will examine what Covenant means, and the progression of a Covenant relationship with God.

Previous students will tell you they finally understand the important connections between the Old and New Testaments and the total sweep of biblical history as a single story of redemption rather than disjointed individual stories. They will also tell you they have learned the important balance between individual study and class discussion.

Of course most of our other classes and activities will continue. Fall is always a great time to join one of our continuing programs that you haven’t had time to try before. New or old, think about trying a class in which you can grow as a disciple through Bible study, prayer, and fellowship.


Adult Ministry

Grow With MOPSby Erin Johnson

Do you know a mom who is interested in getting together with neighboring moms to enjoy an uninterrupted meal, laugh, make friends, try some creative activities and hear inspiring speakers while their children are lovingly cared for? If so, the answer is MOPS, a ministry whose purpose is to nurture MOMS!

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers but we are open to all mothers of children from birth through kindergarten. MOPS is a place where moms come to be encouraged and supported by other moms who are in the very same season of life…And best of all, to make some great friends! If you or someone you know are interested in joining the SHPC MOPS group or if you’d like to try out a meeting, call Debbie at (512) 348-2407, e-mail [email protected] or visit http://www.shpc.org/mops.

We meet in the FMC Building most 2nd & 4th Thursdays; September – May (resumes in Sept 2017) 10am-12pm

Visit www.mops.org to learn more about MOPS International.

MOPS Served With Soleby Erin Johnson

Our MOPS group selected Sole Hope for our Spring Service Project and what a wonderful cause to support! We gathered together with piles of donated denim, milk jugs and scissors (and of course an amazing brunch) and got to work tracing and cutting materials to eventually become shoes for children in Uganda. We love the work Sole Hope is doing- removing jiggers from tiny feet, paying a fair wage for shoes made from recycled materials and, ultimately, serving hope one foot at a time.

We thought Sold Hope would be a great project for our group because we are a group of moms, and as moms, it is hard to imagine seeing a child suffer. Our group cut out 76 pairs of shoes in the size of a Toddler 11, which helped us visualize the small child that might be receiving that shoe. As a mom, I think it is natural to want to help children, here or on the other side of the world. Find out more about Sole Hope here: www.solehope.org. And feel free to check out our MOPS group anytime! http://www.shpc.org/mops


Growth Was On the Menu at the Women’s Teaby Jody Wright

The 2nd Annual SHPC Women’s Tea was held on Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Tea is a multi-generational Women’s Ministry event bringing women together in the spirit of Christ. This year’s event was Denim and Diamonds Affair with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes going to three women who wore the most BLING.

A special addition to this year’s tea was the participation of seven middle school girls who volunteered to be servers for the afternoon. Many thanks go out to Lizzie Jensen, Mollie Hicks, Jessie Schafer, Cassie Segura, Caroline Rasmussen, Samantha Thompson and Faith Lawrence. They learned very quickly how to pour tea correctly, and I would easily put their serving skills up against any of the Downton Abbey staff any day of the week!

This year’s theme “Is your cup filled with the richness of God?” was based on Galatians 5:22-23…But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Each fruit is a characteristic of the Holy Spirit’s active presence in our daily activities. In the same way that a doctor puts us through a battery of tests to diagnose potential physical problems, God has given us a process for evaluating spiritual problems in our lives through the fruit of the spirit, and we asked ourselves the following questions.

LOVE: Am I motivated to do for others as Christ has done for me, or am I giving in order to receive something in return?

JOY: Am I experiencing the joy of life on a regular basis, or is my happiness dependent on things going smoothly in my day?

PEACE: Do I find myself frazzled by the crashing waves of turmoil in my life, or am I experiencing “the peace that passes all comprehension” (Philippians 4:6-7)

PATIENCE: Am I easily set off when things go wrong or people irritate me, or am I able to keep a godly perspective in the face of life’s irritations?

KINDNESS: Is it my goal to serve others with kindness, or am I too focused on my own needs, desires, or problems to let the goodness of God overflow to others?

GOODNESS: Does my life reflect the holiness of God, and do I desire to see others experience God at a deep level in their own lives?

FAITHFULNESS: Are there areas of hypocrisy and indifference toward others in my life, or is my life characterized by faith in Christ and faithfulness to those around me?

GENTLENESS: Do I come across to others as brash and headstrong, or am I allowing the grace of God to flow through me to others?

SELF-Control: Are my fleshly desires controlling my life, or am I allowing the Spirit to direct me to the things that please God and serve others?

The program also included Debbie Ficzeri, SHPC’s MOPS coordinator, leading the group in a fun icebreaker game, Anna Floyd provided music, then Sara Jensen gave her testimony entitled “Out of Pride and Into Faith.” Sara shared a time in her life that had many trials and tribulations which resulted in an outcome that brought her closer to the Lord. Wrapping up the program was Jessica Goulding, bringing scripture to life as she led the participants in a series of breathing and meditation practices to strengthen our walk with God. Special thanks go to David Wheeler for providing the technical support needed for our presenters and to all our volunteers who helped set up and clean up.

It was a blessed occasion that was enjoyed by all!

Adult Ministry


PrimeTime

Mary Martha CircleMary Martha The Mary-Martha Circle spring

luncheon was held on May 5th. We had a lesson on James 5 given by Sherry Smith. We then we enjoyed a delicious 3-salad lunch prepared by Beth Mueller.

Outgoing Moderator, Charlie Morrison, was presented with flowers, a picture of the Circle ladies, and a certificate as a way of showing our thanks for her service this past year.

Carol Mize will be our new moderator when we start back up in September. At that time, we will begin studying the letters of Peter.

PrimeTime Retreatby Sherry Smith

Those of us who attended the PrimeTime Spring Retreat had a wonderful time. At Camp Capers our main meeting area is surrounded with glass windows and doors which allow a constant view of the beautiful plants and birds that are plentiful in the area. Most of the time we had the doors open so birdsong was the background for our Bible study and activities. This was especially appropriate since our theme was “Living the Beauty of Creation.” At one point, Mo O’Meara actually had a hummingbird land on her shoulder!

Sherry Smith was the program director on our first day. We, as always, started with beanbag baseball. We had some new folks on the retreat who fell in love with the game and now want to build their own game boards so they can teach it to their friends. We had a creation meditation called “Spirit Sweeping”, then a delicious supper, and afterwards we studied the creation stories. Some of us had never noticed before how days 1-3 are related to days 4-6 if you line them up beside each other. What beautiful and carefully laid out poetry! We also shared with each other the ways that we are creative and thought of ways we can use that creativity to help others and create a better world. We closed the night with a “Counting Stars” meditation. Did you know that the light just now reaching earth from a certain star, actually left from that star about the time Abraham was receiving his vision to go to the Holy Land?

Beth and Rob Mueller then arrived to lead the next day. They taught us how we all have different personality preferences for various kinds of things that happen in worship. We discussed which groups we were tested into and what that meant for how we could better relate to each other and how our own worship might be deepened by trying some things a little outside our comfort zones. That evening we had a chance to experiment as we had a special worship service where there were tables set in different areas with instructions for special worship experiences individually. Of course, with the Muellers leading, we had great music throughout.

On our last morning we had another special worship experience and Beth made homemade bread for our communion. It smelled and tasted wonderful. None of us had ever had communion bread that was still steaming from the oven. When Rob broke the bread, the steam rose and made it look like the Holy Spirit was right there with us. It was a special time.

We plan to go back to Camp Capers again next April. We hope some more of you will join us for a great time of retreat to nature as well as a chance to get to know each other in a deeper way.

2016 may - the shepherd's watch quarterly newsletter

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