SEASONS
MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
WINTER 2017 • VOL. XLVII NO. 1
The Spoken Word Meet 2017 chairpersons Ted and Jenny Meyers, and learn why this annual event means so much to their family
Holy Week Services Save the dates for Easter season celebrations!
Parent Palooza TWO Wednesday evening parenting seminars with age-specific breakouts
Sticky Faith Did you miss the event? Read a re-cap of the November presentation
mdpc.org
SEASONS QUARTERLY
Inside 1
Winter/Spring Preaching Schedule
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Everyone Can Use Parenting Help
3 4 5 6
Looking Ahead to Pastor Alf ’s Preaching Schedule A STAND-ALONE MESSAGE
As we prepare to install the Elder Class of 2019 and share our strategic planning results with the church, Pastor Alf will explore a few pictures from God that produce passion in God’s people.
Get an overview of the season’s upcoming messages, and the Holy Week services.
Sunday, January 8 Without Vision | Proverbs 29:18
Learn about Parent Palooza, and how it can be a great tool for enhancing your parenting skills.
God has blessed each of us with one or more spiritual gifts. But a gift can only be used and appreciated when it is opened by the recipient. An unopened gift that sits on a closet shelf does not benefit the Giver nor the receiver. Pastor Alf will help us discover, develop, and deploy our God-given gifts for His glory.
Hear the Meyers’ story, and learn more about why they wanted to lead this year’s reading.
A New Life for Blanky Blanky’s life in Guatemala has been a constant struggle - but she finds victory through Jesus.
Sticky Faith Recap Missed the event? Read highlights of how to build faith that lasts in teens.
Why Do I Sing? New choir members share their thoughts about participating in the MDPC Choir.
Dear Friends, After prayer and listening over the summer, I felt called to preach this past fall on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and then The Unexpected of Advent. I am equally excited with our themes and texts for the first quarter of 2017. With New Year’s resolutions on our tongues comes the chance to hear new goals and priorities unveiled to us as a congregation. After an exhaustive process with MDPC pastors, coordinating
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Caring Ministries
team, Session, and former leaders, I am ready to share our
These three ministries work hard to serve the needs of others in our church community.
new elders and officers on January 8, I will outline our vision
plan of action for the near future. As we ordain and install
Sunday, February 19 The Temptation to Make a Deal with the Devil | Matthew 4:8-10 Sunday, February 26 After the Temptation | Matthew 4:1-11
THE 7 LAST WORDS FROM THE CROSS
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
The Spoken Word
Sunday, February 12 The Temptation to Take a Short-cut | Matthew 4:5-7
Sunday, January 15 Discovering Your Gifts | Romans 12:1-8 Sunday, January 22 Developing Your Gifts | Matthew 25:14-27 Sunday, January 29 Deploying Your Gifts | Ephesians 4:7, 11-16
THE TEMPTATIONS
Jesus’ responses teach us how to contend with temptations in our own life, and how to stop evil in its tracks. Sunday, February 5 The Temptation to Be Full | Matthew 4:1-4
These seven phrases provide a view into the Savior’s soul, and a way for us to comprehend both the depth of His sacrificial love, and the impact of the cross on our faith. Ash Wednesday, March 1 | 6:30 PM An Overview | John 1:29; 1 John 4:9-10; Romans 1:18-25 Sunday, March 5 The First Word | Luke 23:32-38 Sunday, March 12 The Second Word | Luke 23:39-43 Sunday, March 19 The Third Word | John 19:26-27 Sunday, March 26 The Fourth Word | Matthew 27:45-49 Sunday, April 2 The Fifth Word | John 19:28-29 Sunday, April 9 The Sixth Word | John 19:28-30
and goals for 2017 and beyond.
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Coming Up... Special events and retreats from Men’s and Women’s Ministries, plus sports opportunities
What’s Cookin’? Good food plus good works from Food Service Ministries and Cookies for the Troops.
Discover, Develop, and then Deploy the spiritual gifts God has placed in each of our lives. We’ll learn how the Spirit can
Maundy Thursday, April 13
unwrap these gifts through the programs, outreach, and
7:00 PM in the Chapel
fellowship of MDPC.
Good Friday, April 14 The Seventh Word | Luke 23:44-49
Sunrise
8:00 AM in the Sanctuary
Contemporary Family
9:45 AM in the Sanctuary
Noon in the Sanctuary
Traditional
11:15 AM in the Sanctuary
In February, as we enter Lent and journey to Good Friday and Easter, we’ll examine The Temptations in the wilderness
12 13 BA CK
Milestones
and Jesus’ profound 7 Last Words from the Cross to prepare
Looking back on recent MDPC staff changes, events, and family news
Christ’s death and resurrection.
Calendar Looking ahead to upcoming events and opportunities
Kids These Days Podcast Check out Rachel Poysky and Tara Reynold’s podcast for parents about kids.
HOLY WEEK SERVICES
For the rest of January, we will focus on how we can
Easter Sunday, April 16 The Final Word | Mark 16:1-8a
us for the undeserved and amazing gifts we receive through When we follow our Savior’s example of conquering our own personal temptations and crosses, we can experience new life!
Rev. Dr. Alf Halvorson Senior Pastor MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
SEASONS Winter 2017
1
Everyone
Can Use a Little Parenting Help!
by Brett Hurst, Relationships Pastor
W
Q
uite some time ago, when our oldest - a lovely daughter - was first delivered, Kellie and I were beyond ecstatic. I
remember that moment vividly. I was so very excited to be a
H E B R E WS 4 : 1 2
By Jenny Meyer
2014 was tough. My husband, Ted, and I lost a father, a brother, and a best friend. We gave eulogies at the memorial services and tried to lead the family through crisis as best we could. On top of this, we experienced two career changes and a move.
young dad of a baby girl. Mirroring the emotions of many firsttime parents, we felt our new baby Sarah was perfect in every way. Not long after we brought her home, however, we realized that there was more to effective parenting than just admiring our daughter’s beauty! It became apparent that we needed to
A
bring our “A game” to this new parenting endeavor. But good grief - what did we really know about parenting back then? We had to learn!
s Easter 2015 approached, we were beyond exhaust-
spokenword.mdpc.org
ed—more like numb—and we were drained mentally,
Monday, April 10-Thursday, April 13 Registration opens March 20
physically, and emotionally.
Parent Palooza at MDPC is a fun and unique opportunity for
We turned in the only direction we could: toward God.
parents of all ages to catch their breath and pick up inspira-
We prayed. We redoubled our participation at church.
tion on how to stay connected with their kids and students.
We reconnected with church friends and groups.
Come learn from MDPC staff, subject matter experts, and
But we continued to struggle, and when we were asked
experienced parents as they share some of their best prac-
to serve at The Spoken Word (2016) during Holy Week
tices. Parenting is a tremendous privilege, but it comes with
by manning the welcome table, we pushed back. Too
significant challenges, confusion, and even discouragement.
much. Don’t have time. Not this year. Thankfully, the
Parent Palooza encourages moms and dads to remain commit-
person asking us persisted, and wouldn’t take no for an
ted to good parenting. Of course, nobody has the art of raising
answer. So we agreed to serve from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM
healthy children completely mastered, but this event will help.
on Tuesday evening.
The lineup of carefully selected presenters will spark great
We are so glad we did. We met people we didn’t know;
conversation on a multitude of topics relevant to a multitude of
we watched reader after reader experience God’s Word
parenting situations.
in a new way; we saw families, couples, singles, and
On two consecutive Wednesday nights, there will be two time
groups share the Word together. We read, too. We saw
slots per night offering concurrent fast-moving parenting ses-
God work right before our eyes. And by this we experi-
sions, from which you choose based on your child’s age and
enced the inevitable—God answered our prayers.
stage of life. Some topics will be general in content, others very specific, but everything is designed to teach the most significant topic points and make the most effective use of your time. Palooza has been a very popular format over the last several years and I encourage you to be part of the process. Healthy parenting is a community event, so your questions and insights will be invaluable. After all, we’re all in this together! Above all, stay encouraged. The Lord is our faithful guide on what healthy parenting truly looks like. He is faithful to complete in us the work He has begun.
January 11 and 18
2017 6:30-8:00 PM
We have since made participation in The Spoken Word a priority for our Holy Week, and, when asked to lead the event this year, we jumped at the chance. One of the many great things about The Spoken Word is the sheer excitement in anticipating the part of scripture that you will read. There is no way to accurately describe the experience of joining our brothers and sisters in Christ and reading our part. So we invite you to join us this year. Come to read. Come to listen. Strengthen your faith, and enjoy fellowship with family and friends. Pastor Alf will start us off with Genesis 1 at 6:00 AM on Monday, April 10, and we expect to finish around 4:00 on Thursday, April 13. We hope YOU sign up and help us
Ted and Jenny Meyer are MDPC members and the 2017 chairpersons for The Spoken Word.
make the journey.
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SEASONS Winter 2017
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MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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SEASONS Winter 2017
3
A New Life for Blanky
Time: What matters is the
By Judy Kerschner, Director of New Life with Education
quantity of QUALITY time spent with your children. An
New Life with Education, an MDPC ministry partner, is a very special school for children who cannot gain an education in the Guatemalan public school system. Judy is a member of MDPC.
H
igh on the side of a dormant volcano above Antigua,
We eventually were able to locate a private school in Antigua
Guatemala, lies the small Mayan village of Santa Maria
that would admit Blanky for kindergarten. She loved it there,
de Jesús. It was here, in 1993, that Blanky Cuca Vasquez was
and excelled in her studies. Through watching this young girl
born with a condition known as spina bifida. Every day of her
flourish in a learning environment, God revealed to me the
life that followed would be complicated by this diagnosis.
need to open a school there in Santa Maria de Jesús. New
I met Blanky when she was three years old. She was happy,
Life School was founded in January of 2000 with one teacher
important aspect of quality time is nurturing sparks. Find what makes your child come alive and help feed their passion. Spend time around the table together at family dinner – start anywhere! What’s important is the time, not what you’re eating (be it
alert, and outgoing, but unable to walk; however, she could
and eight children. One of those children was Blanky.
crawl at a fast pace. My first touch point with Blanky began
She graduated from sixth grade in 2005, and we were able
out). Utilize car time to talk
by helping to find her a small walker just her size.
to locate a middle school in Antigua that would accept her.
and share with one another.
When she was six years old, she wanted a have a backpack
It was around this time that we discovered that Blanky had
Ask for your child’s “first
another spine condition called a tethered cord, and that
five minutes” after school,
neurosurgery would be required. We visited several special-
before they turn to their de-
and to go to school. Of the three schools that should have been available to Blanky, none would admit her due to her disability. Each said she needed too much help and mentally was unable to learn. This was when I first became aware that, in Guatemala, education was not available to the disabled.
homecooking, pizza, or take-
A RE-CAP OF STICKY FAITH
ists in Guatemala and made the best choice available to us. Unfortunately, the best wasn’t good enough. The botched surgery resulted in Blanky becoming a paraplegic – confined to a wheelchair at age 11.
Team: It takes a village to raise our kids! Intergenerational worship is a major
birth defect – to the mundane – a wheel fall-
predictor of faith longevity in
ing off her chair as she traveled alone – nothing
adolescents, and being part
each obstacle that Blanky conquers, her faith in God continues to grow. Propelled by her positive attitude, she completed middle school and moved on to high school. In Guatemala, students must choose a career to study in high school, and Blanky chose accounting, the most difficult of all course studies. She graduated on November 11, 2011. In 2012, New Life School hired Blanky as their first ever secretary. She has continued working for us while attending a university extension in Antigua in the evenings, studying to be a civil rights attorney. With her education, she plans to open doors of opportunity for those who come after her. Blanky used part of her earnings to help her two sisters complete high school. She also has been a role model for all the students at New Life, as well as an encouragement to parents of special needs children. Blanky valiantly models for us all what can be accomplished with love, encouragement,
SEASONS Winter 2017
might very well expand.
the unfathomable – being born with a crippling
has come easy for her. Yet, she overcomes. With
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nonthreatening time frame
By Laura Miller, MDPC Youth Director
Blanky’s life has been a series of struggles. From
To learn more about Judy Kerschner and New Life with Education, visit newlifeguatemala.com.
vices, friends, or rooms. That
and perseverance. mdpc.org
MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
L
ast November, MDPC Youth, Chil-
see your faith – don’t hide it! Find ways
dren’s, and Parenting Ministries
to best show your own spiritual prac-
hosted Brad Griffin, Associate Direc-
tices to your kids.
tor of Fuller Youth Institute and author
Talk: Be a safe space for questions
of Sticky Faith, Growing Young, and other resources that address issues of adolescent faith. Brad discussed the research he conducted with Fuller on the epidemic of young people leaving the faith—and what we as parents, youth workers, and caring adults can do to change that pattern. The night was an amazing testament to how much our MDPC family cares for its young: 150 people of all ages and backgrounds came to hear Brad’s presentation, and they left with incredible nuggets of wisdom. Here are some highlights:
Mirror: Are you the adult you want your child to be? Your children must
MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
your child may wrestle with on their faith journey. Brad made the point, “It is not doubt, but silence, that is toxic to faith.” When kids feel safe to share, they feel more supported by God. This must be a two-way street between you and your children, with mutual vulnerability.
Warmth: Adolescents need a sense of belonging and acceptance in the church and in their families. What matters most is how close kids feel to you, NOT how close you feel to your kids. Relationship means influence; when you nurture and care for the relationship you have with adolescents, you will influence them.
mdpc.org
of the whole church body will benefit them for years to come. They flourish when they have at least five caring adults who point them toward the love of Christ and welcome them into the church family. Ultimately, we must trust God with our kids. Brad wrapped up our time with a reading from Philippians 1:9: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” Every adolescent is on his or her own journey with God, and we must release them into His loving hands. If you are hungry to learn more about Sticky Faith or would like to access the recording of Brad’s presentation, contact Laura Miller at
[email protected]. Find out more about Sticky Faith at stickyfaith.org.
SEASONS Winter 2017
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A Reason to Sing
A few of the newest members of the MDPC Sanctuary Choir share the meaning and motivation behind their participation.
Walking the Mourner’s Path
M
DPC is once again offering the Christ-centered grief program
known as Walking the Mourner’s Path. Those who have taken the eight-
I cannot imagine my life without music; whether singing in church choir throughout my life, attending music conservatory as a young teen, or simply dreaming about being part of a heavy metal rock group. Singing in the choir allows me to raise my love for music to a higher level: worship and praise of God. It is a privilege to be a part of MDPC’s choir, surrounded by talented musicians and leadership working
week series have consistently given positive feedback on how beneficial the homework and group experience were in helping them deal with the loss of a loved one. If you have lost someone near to you
together to praise God.”
and are struggling with grief recovery,
–Paul Bitner
consider enrolling in the spring series of Walking The Mourner’s Path. It will be offered on Wednesdays, March 22–May 17, from 3:30 to 5:00 PM. Sessions will
Prior to MDPC, my husband and I belonged to a small church where the special
be led by trained facilitators, and group
piece of music was selected based on who was in attendance on Sunday morning.
size will be limited to 10 participants
There was one person in each section with the exception of sopranos – there were
to create a safe place for processing
two of us! Needless to say, I was just a tad intimidated at the thought of joining the
feelings.
Here’s what a few of our current
MDPC members with limited support
Stephen Ministers have to say:
networks of their own. Assistance
“Stephen Ministry is an incredible
offered includes transportation,
blessing in my life! I feel it is such a
grocery shopping, and respite care for
gift and an honor to walk alongside
family caregivers.
someone and share their life’s burdens
A Second Family ministry training
and joys and witness God at work.” –
session is scheduled for Wednesday,
Kathy Redden
January 18, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. To
“Stephen Ministry has provided me
register for this training session, or if
with opportunities that are God-sent. In addition to benefitting personally in ways I cannot adequately articulate and gaining more than I have given, I have become better attuned to listening to others’ perspectives and empathizing in others’ circumstances.” –Marc Irwin
you know someone who could benefit from this ministry, contact Beverly Fluke. To learn more about Walking the Mourner’s Path, Stephen Ministry, or Second Family, contact Beverly Fluke at
[email protected] or 713-490-9542.
“Being a Stephen Minister has taught me that people are brave and trusting when they ask for help. Care receivers know their words are confidential, yet
MDPC choir; however, everyone has been very welcoming and helpful. I don’t feel as
are powerful when spoken out loud.
needed here as at our previous church, but I do feel relieved that I can enjoy singing
We listen as long as it takes and pray to
again and not guilty if I have to miss an occasional Sunday.”
God together for healing or a solution to a life event. I’ve learned through
–Connie Hunker
Stephen Ministry we can count on God. And that is a blessing.” –Sue Warren “All of us go through rough periods when knowing other people care and feeling God’s unconditional love for
I am so excited to be part of MDPC’s Sanctuary Choir this season. It has been a real
us is a lifeline to recovery. Stephen
blessing to participate in Wednesday night practices and Sunday Worship services.
Ministry training prepared me to be
Everyone has been welcoming, energetic, and supportive. I would encourage anyone who loves this amazing music to give it a try!” –Martha Robinson
The Blessing of Serving as a Stephen Minister
H
as God been nudging you to do more to help people in need? Have
you been told that you are a good listener? If so, consider becoming a
We’d love to welcome you to the choir! Rehearsals are every Wednesday, 7:00-9:00 PM, and we sing in the 11:15 service every Sunday.
Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained to provide confidential one-to-one Christian care to people going through difficult times.
For details, contact Tracy Stidam at
[email protected] or 713-490-0946.
Many become Stephen Ministers to help others who are hurting – but it doesn’t take long to discover that God blesses them in return.
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SEASONS Winter 2017
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MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
present for, listen to, and pray with those in need. I consider it a privilege to be a Stephen Minister, to have received the training, and to be given the opportunity to provide Christcentered care to help others embrace God’s healing grace in their lives.” –Art Gentry
Training for Second Family Volunteers
I
f you have been looking for a practical way to be the hands and feet of
Jesus, Second Family ministry may be for you. Volunteers are needed to join care teams that provide support to mdpc.org
Second Family volunteer, Judy Ebling
SEASONS Winter 2017
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SPORTS
Girls’Getaway
Prep C
ouples who are recently engaged, newly married, or even celebrating many years of marriage are invited to join us for one of two annual sessions of Married Life Prep. Biblical teaching is combined with real-life stories and the best current marriage research in this course taught by Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement. We hope you can join us for this free series.
Sundays, January 8-29 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM | CLC 171-172 Register: mlp.mdpc.org
Friday-Sunday, February 24-26 Mill Creek Ranch Resort Canton, Texas
Gather for a weekend filled with fun, connecting, and good eating! We’ll enjoy s’mores, a bonfire, shopping, and other activities! Rooming is available in two-person cottages, so grab a friend and secure your spot today.
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5 TH Annual
&
v
t! r e s Des
Chili, BBQ, Gumbo, Roadkill Cook-off Sponsored by MDPC Relationships Ministries & city of Spring valley village
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 1:00-5:00 PM | Spring Valley Village Park (1025 Campbell, 77055) $35 per Team to Compete | Free to Attend Join us for another fun, family-friendly Saturday! Enjoy food tastings, inflatables, activities for the kiddos, and live music! Participate in our new dessert competition as well! Team registration and more: cbgr.mdpc.org
Cost is $140. Register at getaway.mdpc.org.
Breakfast Topic: THE BLUES
Club
WhY I Hope Stuck. Unsure. Hurting. Wondering. Sometimes, life throws us more than we can handle. When we feel overwhelmed, where can we find hope? Women in all life stages are coming together to hear a panel of real, honest women share their personal stories of hope.
Please RSVP: thewell.mdpc.org Childcare available by reservation:
with Nancy Cofran and Amanda Grace Caldwell of the MDPC Counseling Ministry
6:30-8:00 PM • Chapel Light snacks @ 6:00 PM
With New Year’s resolutions come and gone, dreary weather, and the possible holiday letdown, you may be feeling blue. If you struggle with feeling sad, alone, or depressed or know someone who does - come and hear licensed professionals discuss common-sense ways to beat the blues. Light breakfast served. Registration: register.mdpc.org (search “breakfast”)
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SEASONS Winter 2017
Volleyball: For girls in 4th-8th grade who are not in club volleyball •
$115 includes a cap/visor and/or jersey, pictures, and trophy or medal
•
Practices begin the week of March 20. Games are Saturdays, March 25 through May 20.
MDPC is forming basketball teams to play on Friday evenings, January 13-March 10. Registration is open from January 1 to 13. $450/team or $45/individual. Participants must provide a team jersey or T-shirt with a number.
Wednesday, April 19
January can feel like a month of Mondays.
PreK- 6th grade
Hey, men! Are you looking for a way to work off some of those extra holiday pounds?
Meet us at The Well, a gathering place for women of all ages and life stages to commune and connect.
Sunday, January 29 | 8:30-9:30 AM | Parlor
Baseball & Softball: For boys and girls in
Men’s Basketball Registration
The Well Women's Speaker Series
The
Register January 8-February 19: sports.mdpc.org
Saturday-Sunday, April 1-2 | The Lazy W Ranch
N ew!
WHAT NOW? New this gathering is a follow-up called What
Now? After we spend an evening at The Well in April, we’ll meet again to discuss practical ways we can learn to hope in our own lives. Wednesday, May 3 | 6:30-7:30 PM | Summit Room mdpc.org
MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Save the date for this year’s Men’s Retreat! There will be live music, rodeo, skeet shooting, poker, ranch grub, Cowboy Church, and manly fellowship. Registration opens January 17: men.mdpc.org MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
mdpc.org
Register through January 13: sports.mdpc.org If you have questions about MDPC Sports, contact Diane Seckinger:
[email protected], 713-490-9568 SEASONS Winter 2017
9
Faces and Places
Chef Bernadette Brings the Flavor
Fourth Quarter 2016
I
n October we were blessed with a new Food Ministries Director, Bernadette Loweree. Bernadette is a graduate
of The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Houston, and from Lamar University School of Engineering. She has worked for Exxon Mobil, several Pappas restaurants, and Macaroni Grill, and traveled abroad to master her cooking skills in Costa Rica, Paris, China, and Sicily. She’s even cooked for JJ Watt and Adrian Peterson! We are so pleased that God has brought us together, and Bernadette is very happy to be at MDPC. Stop by to meet her – you’re going to love her spirit! And, while you’re here, enjoy a fresh, affordable lunch
Cookies for U.S. Troops Bake
or dinner. Prices range from $3 for a cup of homemade soup and bread to $6.50 for a Chef’s choice hot plate, all including iced tea and coffee, and dinners come with dessert, too. Depending on the day, we also might have a soup and salad bar, hamburgers, or made-from-scratch
Let’s shower our soldiers with sweetness! This is a call to our MDPC families to put on their aprons,
pizza. Hours of Operation Lunch:
Tuesday-Thursday
11:30 AM-1:00 PM
First Sundays:
11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Dinner:
Wednesdays, 5:00-6:30 PM
take out the measuring cups and spoons, and BAKE! Our
The Music Box kids choir, led by Meliza Gómez, sang at the Family Christmas Festival
Amanda Grace Caldwell at the Pie Love You event
soldiers receive any gift with a heart full of gratitude, but they can purchase store-bought cookies themselves, so it’s the homemade ones they really crave. We are all busy, but let’s show our soldiers how much they mean to us by baking fresh from our own kitchens. We’ll assemble cookie care packages on February 2. You can drop off cookies, or stay to help. Everyone is welcome! Cookies can be dropped off Wednesday-Thursday, February 1-2. Packaging is on February 2, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, CLC 170. Contact Pat Ikard with questions at 713-461-3654. Meka Arend works with Tallowood's Robin Geddes at Pie Love You
For more information and menus, visit food.mdpc.org
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SEASONS Winter 2017
The Yellow School Book Fair in November mdpc.org
MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Gracious & John Kimani enjoying snow at the Family Christmas Festival
Cookie decorating at the Family Christmas Festival
MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
mdpc.org
Covenant Sunday in November SEASONS Winter 2017
11
MDPC Milestones
Calendar
PIE LOVE YOU. MDPC Women
You helped them serve approximately
BIRTHS
teamed up with Tallowood women
900 local families by donating over
to support Jesus Said Love, a
120 bags of Thanksgiving staples,
Rose Martin was born November 18, 2016, to Abbey and Chandler Martin.
local organization that shares the
and volunteering at the distribution.
revolutionary love of Christ with
STAFF NEWS. Database manager
women in the commercial sex industry.
Linda Richardson has announced her
Each month, JSL visits Houston area
retirement in January. We are thankful
adult businesses with gifts for the
for Linda’s many years of faithfulness
workers, where they chat with them
and dedication. God always provides,
about Jesus. In November, that gift
and we’re happy to introduce Heather
was pie! Women from MDPC and
Jones, who joined the staff in early
Tallowood gathered on November 17
December so that she can do some
to make 150 pumpkin pies, allowing
cross-training with Linda. Heather
JSL to provide the women working at
spent six years serving at Faithbridge
those establishments with something
Church in Spring, Texas, where she
homemade to take home to their
served in a similar position. Heather is
families. Upon receipt of the pies,
married and has a five-year-old son.
we were told they were so thrilled
Janell Kelleher has (once again) joined
about their gift, they would lock the
the MDPC staff to help out part-time
pie up in their lockers to keep them
in Outreach Ministries, where she will
Norah Mae Brock was born November 21, 2016, to Kate and Michael Brock. Norah is the granddaughter of Nancy Beasley. Cora Sage Prichard was born November 25, 2016, to Becky and Colby Prichard. Cora is the granddaughter of Kristin and Mike Huffman.
JANUARY
MARCH
All-Church Lunch
8
Partner In Prayer packet pickup
5
All-Church Lunch
11
Parent Palooza
8
Kids’ Meals Monthly Service Project
11
Kids’ Meals Monthly Service Project
12
Daylight Savings Begins
16
Family Mission Day (MLK Day Holiday)
18
Parent Palooza
8
2
Ash Wednesday: Service at 6:30 PM
APRIL
FEBRUARY
1
9
13
14
Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday Service Good Friday Service
Cookies for the Troops Project
MDPC offices are closed
Easter Sunday (see pg. 1 for times)
David McGuire was born December 13, 2016, to Lydia and Eric McGuire. He is the grandson of Vicky and Casey Jones.
5
All-Church Lunch
8
Kids’ Meals Monthly Service Project
19
11
CBGR Cook-off
20
President’s Day Holiday
DEATHS
24-26
Girls’ Getaway
16
The Well: Why I Hope
Easter service details on page 1.
Catherine Alexander, August 17, 2016 Lois Boston, September 27, 2016 Brian Suthers, October 16, 2016 Martha Armistead, October 25, 2016 Gwen Lawrence Scott, October 27, 2016 Patricia, Nancy Beasley’s sister, October 29, 2016 Lynda Ferguson, Steve Ferguson’s mother, October 29, 2016 Donal Roger Myers, Rick Myers’ father, November 2, 2016
Pie Love You
safe or dig into them right on the
oversee some of the partner funding
spot! Thank you to everyone who
duties most recently handled by
donated money, supplies, and time
Amy Delgado, who has stepped in as
to make this happen! With your gifts
Interim Outreach Director. GIFT OF
of ingredients, the love of Jesus
PRODUCE. On Saturday, December
was shared with these precious
17, the MDPC Fuente Food Pantry
women. For more information on
kicked the Christmas season into
Jesus Said Love or to learn how
high gear, distributing fresh produce
to get involved, visit jesussaidlove.
to over 325 families (a new Fuente
com. THANKSGIVING MEAL IN
record!), and distributing toys to their
A BAG. East Spring Branch Food
children. Special thanks to Pathways,
Pantry contacted MDPC to express
Seekers, MDPC Circles, and the MDPC
its sincere gratitude to our members!
Fuente Food Pantry volunteers.
12
SEASONS Winter
mdpc.org
Virginia Bowerman, Ed Bowerman’s mother, November 24, 2016 Barbara Churchfield, Karin Tyson’s mother, November 26, 2016 Grant Mavergeorge, December 7, 2016 Suzette Puig’s mother
Gift of Produce
MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Seasons Staff & Contributors Director
Ginny Glass
Copywriter/Editor
Eva Shaw
Graphic Design
Ginny Glass William Soo Sarah Zuckerman
Photography
Bruce Glass Ginny Glass Eva Shaw
MEMORIAL DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
mdpc.org
MDPC Seasons (USPS 053-730) is published quarterly (4 issues), by Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, located at 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77024-7299. Eva Kaminski, editor. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER, send address changes to: MDPC Seasons, MDPC, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77024-7299.
SEASONS Winter 2017
13
Coordinating Team Mauricio Chacón Latino Ministries Pastor
Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church
Amy Delgado Interim Outreach Director
Periodical PAID Houston, TX
Ginny Glass Communications & Media Director Meliza Gómez Contemporary Music Director Alf Halvorson Senior Pastor Charles Hausmann Traditional Music Director Brett Hurst Relationships Pastor Gena Kooken Senior Leadership Ministry Coordinator Laura Miller Youth Director Rick Myers Caring Ministries Pastor Rachel Poysky Children's Pastor Becky Riggs Business Administrator Dave Steane Executive Pastor Kathryn White Coordinating Music Director/Organist Karen Winship Human Resources Director Pastors Emeritus Dave Peterson Gary Bowker
A Podcast
Contact Us Front Office
713-782-1710
Prayer Chain
713-953-2558
The Little School
713-490-9267
The Yellow School
713-784-0820
REACH Office
713-490-9564
From Rachel Poysky & Tara Reynolds
F
or the past few months, Children’s Pastor Rachel Poysky
and High School Discipleship Director Tara Reynolds have been recording podcasts about kids for parents. Each episode has practical tips for relating to your kids, and decodes some of what they’re
Let’s Get Social!
doing and saying. Tara and Rachel
Visit mdpc.org to connect with us in a variety of ways: like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram & Twitter, comment on our blog, download our app, or view recent videos.
also share great info on social media - how your kids are using it, and what you need to know! Join these two kid-savvy women for each informative and funny episode. Download the podcasts from iTunes, or listen on the MDPC website at ktd.mdpc.org.
