March 2013

2 Eastwind Newsletter

Checking in with Pastor Bob HopperWe recently sat down with Pastor Bob to talk about his experience as interim senior pastor, the joys and challenges of church leadership and how he sees Eastminster’s progress in moving forward.

What were some of your main purposes for your ministry when you came to Eastminster last May? Do you feel you have accomplished or are accomplishing these purposes?The Evangelical Presbyterian Church has a great Interim Pastor Manual that identifies the purposes of an interim pastor. Last summer I summarized those in an Eastwind article, and am happy to review and comment on each of them. Of course if there is any fruit in any of these areas, it is the result of

God’s work, not mine (Psalm 127:1).

Purposes of an Interim Senior Pastor1. Feeding the flock through the preaching and teaching of the Word of God.It is very hard to measure the fruit of the preached Word, but it is most encouraging to hear people interacting with and seeking to apply that Word to their personal lives and relationships.

2. Empowering the elders to lead Eastminster biblically, courageously and effectively.God has raised up wonderful elders, and their labors over the past year have been both sacrificial and beneficial to the flock. We see this with the formation of the eight new ministry Councils, and their ongoing leadership of those Councils. Eastminster needs a strong senior pastor who is not intimidated by strong elders who have taken biblical ownership of this ministry. When you combine a strong servant-leader senior pastor with strong servant-leader elders, great things will happen in the life of that church!

3. Nourishing and developing the staff, and moving them toward being more of a team.Eastminster has a great staff, and it is a joy to see them work together and show each other love and respect in the process.

4. “Coming to terms with history” and thereby appreciating but not being controlled by our past.

This is an ongoing challenge. Historical and established congregations tend to resist change, but I have seen clear evidence of a new openness to change. The key is this: Does the congregation trust the elders to make changes? If they do, change will be (painfully, at times) accepted. If they do not, change will almost always be resisted. I would like to think that our congregation is growing in its trust of our elders.

5. Discovering a new identity in the EPC. The transition into the EPC on November 11 of last year was almost seamless. This is due to all of the hard work of our elders who spent a great deal of time and effort preparing the congregation for that change. It is also the result of the great communication effort from many of our staff.

6. “Facilitating shifts of power” because in every congregation there are “power centers” of key, historic decision-makers.The Mission Study of last spring indicated a concern among members that “the same small group of elders seems to control the church.” I do not know if that was an accurate assessment, but I do know that our current session is a great mixture of both new and experienced elders, all of whom are working together to lead this congregation toward greater health and depth.

7. Rethinking denominational ties.Not only have our elders led us with a seamless transition, but we are in the preliminary steps with our presbytery to explore the possibility of a new Central Plains Presbytery of the EPC. I believe Eastminster could have a powerful and fruitful role in that regard, and will be watching that development long after I leave Eastminster.

8. Building commitment to a new leadership and a new future.With each passing month, God’s plan to bring you a new senior pastor gets closer. Let me be “high grace/high truth” when I say that the best days are ahead, but your new senior pastor will need to be uniquely skilled and gifted to assume that position. I want to do everything in my power to prepare the way for their reception and success.

What do you mean by the comment that our next senior pastor will “need to be uniquely skilled and gifted”?Eastminster is a wonderful church to serve, but not an easy one. It has a history that some cherish so much that change is resisted. There are many intelligent, successful community

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leaders in the congregation who have strong opinions about things, and are not afraid to voice those opinions. There has also been a culture of unbridled and unaccountable criticism that allows people to speak their minds with little or no accountability for what they say. I hope and pray that all of this is changing through the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.Nevertheless, your next senior pastor needs to be tough as nails in some respects and soft as satin in other respects. They will need to be a good listener yet not intimidated by those who disagree. They will need to appreciate the strength and leadership of the elders yet bring new ideas and direction to those elders. The will need to be both a great preacher and a great leader, and those two gifts are not often resident in the same person.

What can the congregation do to help Eastminster move forward?First and foremost, pray for your pastor search teams, your elders, your deacons, and your staff. This is the most important thing you can possibly do for it is the Lord who enables and empowers ministry to occur, and we are helpless without him.

Second, respect and support your elders. Trust that the Lord is his sovereignty has raised up these elders to lead you. They are not perfect nor do they pretend to be so, but they are seeking the Lord’s will for this body. If you have a question or objection, speak directly to an elder rather than about the elders.

Third, keep a tight grip on your Scriptural convictions but a loose grip on your personal preferences. Respect those differences (musical style preferences is an example of this) and do not allow your own carnality or our enemy to magnify them in destructive ways.

Finally, every member of Eastminster needs to see themselves as a missionary to their unchurched friends, neighbors, and coworkers. We have a great overseas mission ministry but we need to be more bold and loving with those in our immediate circle of relationships. If everyone invited, for example, an unchurched friend to go with you to our Easter services, imagine the potential impact that might have – for eternity.

How can Eastminster support you and your family?This is both an exciting and challenging time in the Hopper household. The best thing you can do is to pray for us – for the following needs:• We are getting our house ready to put on the market next month and are asking the Lord to raise up a buyer (we are moving back to Pittsburgh and I will commute from there to Wichita).• Our daughter Jessie and her family continue to serve the Lord in central Asia, and are always in need of protective prayer.

• Our oldest son Seth, a Marine, is facing a medical discharge and needs wisdom and provision for the next chapter in his family’s life (he is married with three daughters).• Our youngest son, Luke, graduates from college and receives his U.S. Army officer commission in May. We desire to see the Lord’s clear leading in his life and future.• Tacey and I are in the process of becoming EPC World Outreach missionaries and would hope to be commissioned at the General Assembly in Denver this June. We need the Lord’s guidance and provision in the months ahead as we plan for ministry in Russia.

Anything else you’d like to share?Every time the plane from Orlando touches down at ICT, I thank God for the privilege and responsibility to serve this wonderful congregation as your interim senior pastor. For from him and to him and through him are all things. To him be the glory forever. (Romans 11:36)

New Message Series with Rev. Bob HopperInstead of tiptoeing around the sacred cows – you know, those traditions or practices that have been held in such high esteem

that people are afraid to change or criticize them –

we’re taking another look at all the cows in the herd (the ways we’ve been doing church for more than 50 years). What does it mean to be a healthy, gospel-centered church? Are there some hindrances (aka sacred cows) that might be standing in the way of Eastminster being the church God wants it to be? Could there be a few cows that need to be tipped? Grab your boots, because it’s time to go cow tipping!

March 3 Tipping the Cow: The Church Is About Me

Kermit Oppriecht

March 10 Tipping the Cow: The Pastor is Everything

Bob Hopper

March 17 Tipping the Cow: My Music is Holier than Yours

Bob Hopper

March 24 Tipping the Cow: Jesus Has a Political Agenda

Kermit Oppriecht

March 31 Tipping the Cow: The Resurrection is a Nice Story

Bob Hopper

4 Eastwind Newsletter

My StoryEastminster members Deborah Smith and Jeanne Commer share personal stories from the Easter season.

Deborah SmithWhen I was a little girl, Easter meant matching Easter dresses for me and my sister, made by our mother or grandmother and duly recorded in a formal photo. It was dyeing hard-boiled eggs that the Easter Bunny (aka my father) would hide while we were in Sunday school, and little trinkets in plastic eggs waiting in Easter baskets by our beds in the morning. Our Methodist church was filled with Easter lilies, and one Palm Sunday, my sister and I were baptized.

I knew that Jesus had died for me and that Easter was the celebration of his resurrection from the dead.

During my teen years, things changed a little. I began designing and making my own Easter dresses, and decorating blown eggs with delicate floral cut-outs. However, I also began to think more about the events which had happened before the resurrection we celebrated on Easter, things that weren’t emphasized as much during the children’s Sunday school classes. I started to give things up for Lent; the supreme teenaged sacrifice of giving up chocolate wasn’t really so much compared to what Christ had given up for me. Attending Maundy Thursday communion services and the sobering Good Friday Tenebrae service became important parts of Holy Week for me. When I was a junior in the East High choir, we sang a large portion of Handel’s Messiah, still one of my favorite pieces of music. I was particularly drawn to the Easter section of the oratorio, with the text of the suffering servant from Isaiah 53 which preceded the glorious Hallelujah Chorus.

After graduation, I attended a Southern Baptist college where I was encouraged to grow in my faith and developed close friendships with fellow believers. During those years, I began attending a Presbyterian church near the campus; it was closer to the Methodist tradition of my youth than the less liturgical churches many of my fellow students preferred. One Holy Week, those differences became apparent to me in a new way. It was Maundy Thursday, and I was preparing

to walk to church for the communion service which had now become a centerpiece of Holy Week for me. A Christian friend asked why I was dressed up and where I was going. “To church for Maundy Thursday,” I replied. “For what?” she asked. To my surprise, I discovered that she had never heard of Maundy Thursday; Good Friday was a vaguely familiar term, but not an occasion commemorated in any way.

That brought my understanding of Easter into focus. Easter was certainly not about new dresses, eggs and bunnies anymore. However, neither was it simply about celebrating Christ’s resurrection. It was about remembering his passion, his sacrificial death, and his incredible love for me which led to the final victory over death. It was being able to sing Handel’s great aria “I know that my Redeemer liveth” without forgetting that this came after “He was despised and rejected of men.”

Today, my husband and I are raising our own two daughters. I enjoy making them Easter dresses, and each year, we get out our collection of blown Easter eggs and add a few more. However, our Easter celebration begins on Ash Wednesday as we remember our own sinfulness and mortality. My younger daughter will enjoy waving palm branches on Palm Sunday, but we’ll also attend services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Easter is not just a one-day celebration, but a time to

reflect on the need for and price of salvation. And this year, my older daughter, now an East High choir student herself, will join me in the Chancel Choir as we celebrate the full meaning of Easter with a heartfelt rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus.

Jeanne Commer It was April 14,1995 –

Good Friday – and I knew that something was afoot. I had just received a red rose and the first clue to what would be the

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most thrilling treasure hunt of my life. It was a unique treasure hunt. I would work alone solving six clues, each leading to a friend’s home, another clue and another red rose. Each clue was accompanied by a relevant Scripture verse and a specially selected song of worship that I was to listen to on my journey.

The final clue led me to the foot of a large lighted cross, high above a small church near Santa Fe Lake. There, my then-future husband, Eric, presented me with a ring with a solitary diamond cradled under a cross. He asked me to be his wife “and to live with him, in the shadow of the cross of Jesus Christ.” I have never regretted making that promise to him. I, too, wanted to live in the shadow of the cross.

Beyond our Good Friday engagement, Easter always brings for us, as for many Christians, a desire for a deep emotional connection with God. The awesome Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah may be the most common shared musical experience of that emotional connection.

More contemporary songs about Easter have provided that emotion at least as strongly. Jesus is Alive, Forever, Amen! When I sing this song it gives me goose bumps not only because of the words, but because the instrumental arrangement is so powerful. For Eric and me, dramatic presentations of the Ray Boltz song, Watch the Lamb, or Arise, My Love by Newsong and the older Easter Song by Second Chapter of Acts are other examples that have elevated our emotional connection to Easter. I have even experienced this deep emotion by singing rewritten lyrics to Memory from the musical Cats, as if the lyrics were the words of Mary Magdalene sung between the death and resurrection of Jesus.

But God did not design Easter, from eternity past, just for the purpose of giving us a temporary glimpse of an emotional connection to him. He planned Easter, the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus, so he could save our souls. And when we accept the salvation that he offers, Easter becomes a reminder to never forget what Jesus did for us; to remember his sacrifice and his triumphant power. It is a reminder that he deserves our worship and that our lives should be transformed on a daily basis to live in the shadow of his cross.

There is a song by Joel Engle that describes life in the shadow of the cross. The words say: “In the shadow of your cross, I will live for all my days. How could I forget the price you paid? In the shelter of your love, I will give You all my praise In the shadow of your cross I will stay.”

lifeEASTER 2013

from death to

march 31Easter Services in the Sanctuary8 and 9:30 a.m. Traditional worship services with music led by the Chancel Choir, Chancel Bells, brass ensemble, tympani and organ. Regular attenders: please consider attending our 8 a.m. service in order to allow more space for guests at the 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. services. (regular programmng for children: 8 a.m. programs for birth – 18 months; 9:30 a.m. programs for birth – fifth grade)

11:15 a.m. Contemporary worship service with music led by our worship team (note time change). Regular attenders: please consider attending our 8 a.m. service in order to allow more space for guests at the 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. services. (regular programming for children: birth – second grade)

Other Holy Week ServicesPalm Sunday (March 24)8, 9:30 and 11 a.m., SanctuaryChildren’s programming as usual

Maundy Thursday (March 28)7 p.m., SanctuaryChild care through 3 years

Good Friday (March 29)7 p.m., Sanctuary • Featuring anthems surrounding the seven last words of ChristChild care through 3 years is available

6 Eastwind Newsletter

What makes Eastminster kindergarten different from other kindergarten programs?I think the main thing that sets us apart from other kindergartens is our class size! Most kindergarten classrooms have anywhere from 20 to 30 students in one room with one teacher. Eastminster Kindergarten will always have a low class size. Currently I have six students in my room and our maximum is 12! With such a low class size I am able to work one on one and in small groups with the students. It is amazing to see their progress and see them excel quicker due to that small class size. If I have a student who is struggling in a particular area I have the time to work with that child individually to help them succeed. Another plus for our Kindergarten children at Eastminster is that we have wonderful resource teachers who come into our classroom to teach Spanish, art and Bible. Bible memory is a part of our weekly curriculum.

What are a few of your favorite moments from teaching Eastminster kindergarten?My favorite moment is always watching them read a book on their own for the first time. When they enter my room they can only retell stories or make them up as they look at pictures but by the end of the year they are reading stories on their own! I also love all of the field trips that we have been able to take together. We have been to the pumpkin patch, Children’s Theater, and the fire and police station. In the future we will be visiting the library and the zoo. I love being able to include the parents on those exciting trips as well.

How long have you been teaching and what made you decide to become a teacher?I have been teaching for 12 years. I took some time off to stay at home with my children before teaching at Eastminster. I have been teaching here at Eastminster for eight years. Since I was a

little girl I have always wanted to be a teacher. I love being around children and helping them succeed. I cannot imagine doing anything else. Have you had any surprising moments while teaching at Eastminster?I don’t know if I have had any surprising moments while teaching at Eastminster but I am constantly amazed at how wonderful our parents are. The kindergarten parents are always willing to help and be there whenever I need them. They make my teaching experience even that much more enjoyable.

Is there anything else you’d like parents to know about our kindergarten?The kindergarteners who attend Eastminster will leave the classroom meeting or exceeding all of the state standards. They will learn to be independent and hard workers. Because of the small class size the students in my class have become a family who take care of each other and genuinely care about one another. It is a wonderful thing to be a part of.

Faith-Filled LearningEastminster Kindergarten offers a safe, fun and Christian environment. We asked our kindergarten teacher, Angie McLeod, to tell us a little about our program.

Eastminster Kindergarten is enrolling for the2013 - 2014 school year!

Children who have had their fifth birthday before August 31, 2013, are eligible. The class will be taught by a former Wichita Public School teacher and one of our preschool teachers.

To learn more, contact Cheryl Hennigh at 634.0337, ext. 237, or chennigh@eastminster.org. Hurry, class space is limited! The class starts in August and will follow the Wichita Public School holiday calendar.

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If you love people, First Impressions is where you need to be! Our Guest Services ministry, part of the First Impressions Team, is the face that welcome guests and members at worship each week. Serving in this ministry is one the easiest ways to get involved and make a lasting impact. You are not required to serve each week, just when you can. Don’t worry about not knowing what to do because we will equip you will everything you need.

There are so many opportunities to serve including:• Helping pass the offering plate• Smiling and greeting people as they arrive at worship• Handing out bulletins• Giving print materials and directions at the Welcome Desk or Reception Desk• Serving in a leadership role in Guest Services

We would love to have you join our team and a few of those serving wanted to share their experiences with you:

“I’ve helped man the Welcome Desk for several years now, and really enjoy it. It’s fun to see familiar faces each week, as well as new faces who are looking for help. People stop by the Welcome Desk for a variety of reasons—looking for direction to their child’s classroom, for help deciding which Sunday school class to attend, for information about what’s happening at Eastminster, and, probably most importantly, for a mint to take care of their coffee breath or tickle in their throat.

“All it takes is a friendly smile, and

willingness to help.”

Working at the welcome desk doesn’t require a huge time commitment. All it takes is a friendly smile, and willingness to help.”

Jan MacLeod

“We started ushering initially from a request for help in the bulletin in 2007 and haven’t stopped since. Ushering is without a doubt one of the easiest and most fun ways to serve in the church while also attending the service. It has made it possible for us to meet more people than we could have otherwise. As it reads

in Hebrews 13:2: Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. We feel that guests and members should all feel and be welcomed when attending Eastminster and being a part of guest services we are hopefully making that happen.”

Kelly and Cheri Bonnell

“I started to work at the Welcome Desk at the 9:30 service in the fall of 2008 right after I became a member. At the last membership class, my husband and I were asked where we thought we might be able to contribute and we thought Guest Services was something we could handle. He is serving as an usher and I’m at the Welcome Desk. What I didn’t know is how enjoyable and personally rewarding it would be. The Desk gave me the opportunity to meet members and begin to feel part of the church community. It’s particularly gratifying to meet people who come to Eastminster for the first time. They approach the desk with puzzled looks and leave with their hands full of literature and smiles on their faces. Feels great! I truly believe I gain more than I give.”

Lynn Ellison

“When I discovered the need for help in Guest Services, I found myself serving as the Reception Desk attendant. In the beginning, I was hesitate to commit, but it has been a blessing! I only regret I did not jump at the opportunity to serve sooner. I have been introduced to new friendships and reacquainted with old ones. I have had the chance to get a peek at the “behind the scenes” works of Eastminster. It is amazing how it is not one individual, but it is everyone’s giftedness that comes together to keep God’s ministries alive at Eastminster. We are just a part of a much bigger purpose. Also, I now have a better understanding of the importance of my involvement and others to keep the body of the church functioning and the spirit of Christ alive. I feel so blessed to be a part of the Eastminster family!“

Carla Lasater

How to Get Involved:Fill out a First impressions flier, available at church kiosks, or contact Kat Anderson at 634.0337, ext. 242, or kanderson@eastminster.org. No experience necessary!

First ImpressionsCreating a lasting impact on guests and members

8 Eastwind Newsletter

LOVE Wichita is a day on which churches from across the city, no matter their denomination, size or location, unite in Jesus’ name to clean, paint, repair and LOVE the city of Wichita. Every year, thousands of volunteers spread out across the city to live out Jesus’ love through service.

LOVE Wichita began in 2009 as a vision of Eastminster Church in collaboration with Mayor Carl Brewer for a faith-based day of service to seek the prosperity of our city.

The event grew strong its first year and a total of 20 churches completed 150 projects.

Last year, more than 40 churches worked together on over 240 projects. The vision has now grown to include churches of all denominations and backgrounds to serve together for the good of our city.

A few of Eastminster’s LOVE Wichita volunteers shared their stories:

Jim DeKalbMy wife, Dana, and I suggested to the Eastminster LOVE Wichita committee that a home on North Belmont be added to their 2012 project list. This older home is owned by a personal friend of my wife. This friend is a very deserving, hard-working single mom with two teenage daughters, and the upkeep on her home has been a real challenge. When I approached this woman to see if she

would allow us to work on her home as part of the LOVE Wichita effort, her eyes lit up with excitement.

The overall project on the home was of a fairly large scope, and required many helping hands. Rod Holter and Rick Hancock were co-captains of this project, and they did a marvelous job of organizing materials and directing our efforts. We had volunteers of all ages from our church, and from several other area churches. As a team, we scraped, primed and painted both stories of the house. An outside stairway leading up to the second floor was in serious disrepair and we replaced it. In addition, much landscaping work was accomplished, with shrubs trimmed, flower and vegetable beds weeded, debris removed, and general pickup accomplished. The home was literally transformed in the scope of one day.

The homeowner was definitely moved by the effort and generosity of the work crew, and warmly expressed that she really knew God loved her as a result of our efforts.

To God be the glory!

Rick HilscherEastminster’s 2012 LOVE Wichita event included a wide range of activities, as it usually does. Hundreds of our members volunteered to paint homes, clean up yards, haul away trash, wash windows and walls, install a handicap access ramp, and even install basketball backstops at an inner-city church. These were great opportunities to physically

demonstrate the love of Christ within our community. But one small story from last year’s activity demonstrated the less-visible aspect of LOVE Wichita’s ministering that is also important.

When LOVE Comes to TownChurches across Wichita join together in an attitude of service and love, to share the love of Christ in our city.

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Small things can mean a lot to those we serve, and to those serving. Last year on service day it was late afternoon and activities were winding down as teams completed their work. One small project remained to be completed though and volunteers were running low at that late hour. A team of three was assembled and sent to a small home in south-central Wichita. The wife of the owner had requested help repairing and painting two windows and a porch swing. Her husband was homebound on oxygen and they could no longer keep up with this type of maintenance.

Prior to the volunteer day, a team member had repaired the two windows. All that remained to do was paint the window trim and the porch swing, which the couple liked to use in warm weather. The team arrived and went to the door to let the woman know that we had not forgotten her. She answered the door neatly dressed for company, even though she rarely was able to leave her home. It appeared she had been anticipating their arrival all day. A few minutes later as the team began working, the lady came to the door and offered them a cup of coffee. She had just brewed a fresh pot for the team. Despite the warm afternoon, the three team members gratefully accepted her hospitality.

Later as the team neared the end of their work, the homeowner returned to the door and asked if we could paint one inside window sill that badly needed it. One member followed her inside with a paint brush to the window. The window sill had no paint on it and was full of dust and dirt. While he did the best job he could of painting it, it really needed more attention. He then recognized a brief opportunity to seek to minister to this kind woman whose world was limited to caring for her husband 24-7 in their small house.

They briefly talked about her lonely life and about her faith. Compassion led the team member to ask her if he could pray for her as he finished his work on the window sill. She said yes, and he held her hand and prayee for God to bless them and sustain her with his peace during this time of trial. As she thanked him and led him back to the front door, he wondered if what he had done was enough. Just like the way he had to paint the window sill, he worried that it hadn’t been done it well enough.

LOVE Wichita engages us to show our love for others in ways that take us beyond our normal means. It also usually requires that we do a job sufficiently but maybe not as well as a professional would do it. LOVE Wichita is all about involving our hearts and spirits while we serve others in the name of Christ. Often the servers are blessed as much or more than the people they seek to bless.

Two Shifts: 8 a.m. to noon // 1 to 5 p.m. (Rain date: May 5)

God is calling us to “seek the peace and pros-perity of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7). To answer his call we’ll partner together with other churches to complete service projects throughout the area. We hope to have more than 5,000 volunteers from more than 40 churches across the city join together in an attitude of service and hope at the fifth LOVE Wichita event of serving. We will have the opportunity to resurrect our city as we clean, paint, touch and transform the place we live and encourage the people we encounter in the name of Jesus. More than 150 projects across the city are planned to be completed.

Register to serve from 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m., or for all day. Registration is open now at lovewichita.org. Forms will also be available at the church for those without internet access. Each person serving is asked to wear a blue LOVE Wichita T-shirt. If you already have one, you may wear it again. To order a new one, you can pay for your T-shirt when you register ($6.50 each)

Register or get more details at lovewichita.org.

Where will you be ... when LOVE comes to town?

April 28, 2012 • Register today!

Every Man a Warriorby Steve Friesen

What is Men’s Life? In the everyday world, it is being a father, being a husband, running a business, working all day, learning to know God, changing the oil, fixing

a leak, or perhaps binding up a wound or even a wounded heart. In God’s view men’s life is “iron sharpening iron,” “spurring one another to love and good deeds,” “living in harmony with one another, being sympathetic, compassionate and humble.” In terms of “Men’s Life” at Eastminster, it is an attempt to blend the struggles of the everyday world with the love, encouragement and accountability found in a group of men striving together to become what God envisions for us.

Several years ago I was fairly new to Eastminster, and found myself in search of ways to grow as a man who desired to walk with God. Men’s Life was graciously pointed out to me by my wife, so I read the brief description and thought “Tuesdays at 6? In the morning?” Thankfully I decided to look into anyway! I realized quickly that going during that time didn’t take much away from my family, so it felt like a challenge and sacrifice I was excited to accept!

Showing up at the first meeting was a little intimidating. Here’s the pastor greeting me, with this intensely high energy and I’m still trying to blink my eyes awake. His enthusiasm and desire to help other men with their quest to be real men of faith woke me up quickly. There were guys of all ages there, none of whom I knew, but the sense of camaraderie I immediately felt kept me coming back week after week. Now, almost two years later, each Tuesday morning brings a new challenge and another great opportunity for me to grow closer to God with the help of other men.

Currently, I’m helping lead a new series we just started titled Every Man a Warrior. This series will challenge each one of us to memorize Scripture and build a steady habit of spending daily

time with God. It will help us to learn to be vulnerable with our weaknesses in a very safe and encouraging environment. We desire to welcome anyone, to embrace you, and gently prod you on to growth and a deep enduring relationship with God.

Deuteronomy 6 gives us a number of commands that should guide our lives. Verse 18 states that we are to “Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you.” We are well aware that the context of this Scripture is specifically given to Israel, but the commands earlier in the chapter still apply to us today. Commands such as: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” God also commanded us as men to impress his laws on our children and to write them on the door posts of our house. We are to “Fear the Lord our God and not follow other gods. Men, we desire to help you as you seek to honor God by following his commands.

Where are you on your spiritual journey? Are you a new believer? Are you beginning to share your faith with your young children? Are you a grandfather with a wealth of experience and wisdom to share with others? Whatever your situation, we want you to come and learn with us to mentor and be mentored. Scripture tells us that a cord of many strands is not easily broken. Gentlemen, the god of this world desires to break you up and leave you as litter along the path of life. But God Almighty desires to put you back together and fill your cracks with the gold of his love, compassion and forgiveness. Come join other men who are also being put back together by God.

Men’s Life meets Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 a.m. in the Student Center. For more information, contact Ginger Cox at 634.0337, ext. 200, or gcox@eastminster.org.

March Calendar

Friday, March 1Celebrate Marriage Retreat

Sunday, March 38, 9:30, 11am Adult Classes8, 9:30, 11am Worship 9:30am Children’s, HS & MS

Sunday school9:30am MS Confirmation Class7pm HS Sunday Nights

Monday, March 49am Sacred Parenting Study6:45pm Boy Scouts Troop 524

Tuesday, March 56:15am Men’s Life6:45am Prayer Fellowship9:30am Women in Action Women’s Book Club6:30pm Worship Team7pm Piece Sewers

Wednesday, March 69am For Mothers of Young

Children10:30am Revelations Women’s

Study5:15pm EDGE Dinner6pm Chancel Bells Rehearsal Kid’s Choir MS Wednesday Nights6:30pm EDGE Classes New Members Class7:30pm Chancel Choir

Rehearsal Thursday, March 7The Pilgrimage9:15am Hannah Circle10am Senior Singles6pm LAFS7:30pm Volleyball/Basketball Saturday, March 99am Pure Truth5:30pm LAFS Second Saturday

Sunday, March 108, 9:30, 11am Adult Classes8, 9:30, 11am Worship 9:30am Children’s, HS & MS

Sunday school9:30am MS Confirmation Class12:30pm Missions Second

Sunday Luncheon6pm Parenting with Truth &

Grace Meet & Greet7pm HS Breakaway

Monday, March 119am Sacred Parenting Study6:45pm Boy Scouts Troop 524:

Patrol Leaders Council 7pm Pray for Pastor Search

Team

Tuesday, March 126:15am Men’s Life6:45am Prayer Fellowship9:30am Women in Action6:30pm Worship Team

Wednesday, March 139am For Mothers of Young

Children9:30am Martha-Pricilla Circle10:30am Revelations Women’s

Study1pm Rebecca - Ruth Circle5:15pm EDGE Dinner6pm Chancel Bells Rehearsal Kid’s Choir MS Breakaway6:30pm EDGE Classes New Members Class7:30pm Chancel Choir

Rehearsal

Thursday, March 149:30am Abigail Circle 10am Senior Singles6pm LAFS7:30pm Volleyball/Basketball Friday, March 1512pm Senior Luncheon

Saturday, March 165:30pm LAFS

Sunday, March 178, 9:30, 11am Adult Spiritual

Growth Classes8, 9:30, 11am Worship 9:30am Children’s, HS & MS

Sunday school9:30am MS Confirmation Class7pm HS Sunday Nights Tuesday, March 19, 6:15am Men’s Life6:45am Prayer Fellowship9:30am Women in Action6:30pm Worship Team7pm Piece Sewers Session Meeting Wednesday, March 20 9am Mothers of Young Children10:30am Revelations Women’s

Study

6pm Chancel Bells Rehearsal7:30pm Chancel Choir Thursday, March 21 10am Senior Singles6pm LAFS7:30pm Volleyball/Basketball Sunday, March 24Palm Sunday8, 9:30, 11am Adult Spiritual

Growth Classes8, 9:30, 11am Worship 9:30am Children’s, HS & MS

Sunday school9:30am MS Confirmation Class7pm HS Sunday Nights

Monday, March 259am Sacred Parenting Study6:45pm Boy Scouts Troop 5247pm Pray for Pastor Search

Team

Tuesday, March 266:15am Men’s Life6:45am Prayer Fellowship9:30am Women in Action12pm Prayers for our Nation6:30pm Worship Team Wednesday, March 279am For Mothers of Young

Children10:30am Revelations Women’s

Study6pm Chancel Bells Rehearsal7:30pm Choir Rehearsal Thursday, March 28Maundy Thursday9:15am Hannah Circle10am Senior Singles10:30am Missionary Care

Prayer7pm Maundy Thursday Worship Friday, March 29Good FridayEastminster Offices Closed7pm Good Friday Worship Sunday, March 31Easter8, 9:30, 11:15am Worship 9:30am Children’s, HS & MS

Sunday school

For the most up to date information visit eastminster.org/calendar

Holy Week Offering

This year’s Holy Week offering will go to support building safe houses for victims of human trafficking, or those at risk to be trafficked. Offer-ings will go to support Oleg Ruetki with New Hope for Moldova, as well as the Villa de Esperanza in Mana-gua Nicaragua to help these ministries rescue and minister to victims of trafficking and at-risk youth. You can give at any of our Holy Week services (see page 5) or note “Holy Week Offering” on your check and return it to the church office.

Non Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDWichita, KS

Permit No. 1293

Eastminster Presbyterian Church1958 N. Webb Road • Wichita, Kansas 67206316.634.0337 • www.eastminster.org

The goal of Eastwind is to support the mission and work of Eastminster Church. Director of Communications: Courtney Browning (cbrowning@eastminster.org). Associate Director of Communications: Meg Foreman (meg@eastminster.org).

Worship ServicesSundays at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Up & Coming

Pure Truth: Fifth & Sixth Graders + ParentsSaturday, March 9, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Student Center Fifth and sixth grade students are invited to participate with their parents in this interactive event designed to equip our young people to face the challenges of maintaining virtuous character in a culture that often clashes with Christian values. Led by Matt Jaderston, Director of Student Ministries, Mary Stephens, Director of Children’s Ministries, and Diann Faflick, counselor at Southeast High School. RSVP to Julie Pritchard at 634.0337, ext. 215, or jpritchard@eastminster.org by Sunday, March 3.

Luncheon Hosted by Senior MinistriesFriday, March 15, noon; Fellowship HallGuest speaker Ellen Meyers will share her experience as a Holocaust survivor. Register in Fellowship Hall following worship. Cost: $10/person (checks only).

Text UsYou can now receive updates from Eastminster via text message! When you opt-in to receive texts you’ll get the latest from our ministries on upcoming events, service opportunities, encouragement, weather-related info and more. To sign up:All Church: text Eastminster to 62953Middle School: text EMMS to 62953High School: text EMHS to 62953

Becoming a Prayer WarriorThursday, April 4, 7 p.m., Fellowship Hall In today’s busy culture, with a thousand duties pulling us in every direction, how do we develop a lifestyle of prayer? Jim Tharp, founder and president of Christian Renewal Ministries, will lead us through a biblically based class on creating a lifestyle of prayer. Jim’s own experience in becoming devoted to prayer has reshaped his life and ministry. From Jim: “After 36 years of pastoral ministry, most of which would have to be described as mediocre, I sensed an urgent direction from the Holy Spirit to curtail much of my professional routine and simply spend time with the Lord. I soon realized this hunger for God was of God himself and not just religious fantasy. The new anointing of the Holy Spirit brought a new passion and a new empowerment for prayer. What had previously been humanly powered mental exercise now became Spirit-inspired communion and intercession.” Join us to hear Jim’s story, and how a lifestyle of prayer can change your walk with God and impact your personal ministry.