Published by Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian ChurchJanuary 2009 Issue 1

Special Focus: ConnectLiturgical Seasons 3Serve: Mission 3Grow: Adult Ministry

2, 6, 8-9, 11Grow: Student Ministry

4-5, 7Grow: Senior Adult Ministry

9Grow: Children’s Ministry

5-6Budget Guy 10-11

Help! I Need Somebody...Connect & Calendar 12-13

SHPC Staff Guide

Larry Coulter Senior PastorMike Killeen Associate PastorBritta Dukes Associate PastorSherry Smith Adult MinistryKim Arthur Nursery MinistryCy Albertson Director of MusicPattie Lawrence Director of PreschoolBelva Koerth Office ManagerKimbol Soques Communications

Sermons for January

Series: Genesis 1, 2, 3

Jan. 4The Art of Creation

Jan. 11Imago Dei

Jan. 18Going Green

Jan. 25Living to Work

and Working to Live

This is the time of year when wetraditionally take a look back to

see where we've come from andmake decisions about where we'dlike to go. It is good for us to havemarkers in our lives thatoccasionally give us the opportunityto step out of the rush of daily lifeand try to get some perspective onthe overall direction of our journey.

Aside from the start of a newyear, this may occur at

birthdays, family reunions, the birthof a child, or around a holiday orspecial event. For me, because myfamily had a summer touristbusiness on the east coast, LaborDay was the time when we bothliterally and figuratively began totake stock of our lives.

This spring Pastor Larry and I willtake time to lead a class based

on a very special birthday for thePresbyterian Church. The year 2009marks the 500th birthday of JohnCalvin, whose ideas were seminal inthe formation of what later becamethe Presbyterian Church andeventually were also an importantbasis for the writing of the UnitedStates Constitution.

I know that in the modern mediawords like "theology" and

"doctrine" have become repulsiveterms. They bring up images ofbeing judged or of restrictions onour freedom to believe and do

whatever we want. But "theology"simply means "words about God"(and, therefore, "beliefs aboutGod") and "doctrine" is simply acondensed way of expressingtheology.

Whether we ever take time tothink about it or not, we all

have personal theologies. Forexample, when you look at abeautiful sunset do you think, "thelight refraction on the dust particlesin the atmosphere is veryinteresting today," or do you look onin wonder and think, "wow, thecreator of this universe really knewwhat he was doing," or something inbetween? In either case, you areexpressing your theology.

Do you teach your children not tosteal? Why? Because you don't

want them to go jail or because youbelieve it is wrong to take thingsthat belong to others or a little ofboth? Again, whichever you chooseillustrates your theology.

Unfortunately, there is a violenthistory that continues to this

day, of people killing each otherbecause of disagreements over theirtheologies. This is very sad but itdoes not make theology bad, itsimply means that some peoplemake bad use of their theology.

As we take a look this spring atwhat John Calvin believed 500

Perspective On Our Journey

continued, next page

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years ago and how he chose toexpress it, we will also betaking a look at ourselves, ourtheology, and how we expressit. If we are to follow Christ'smost basic instruction to "gotell others" then we must firsttake a little time to get someperspective on what it is wehave to tell.

Matthew 28:19-20 NRSV "Gotherefore and make disciples ofall nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and ofthe Son and of the Holy Spirit,and teaching them to obeyeverything that I havecommanded you. Andremember, I am with youalways, to the end of the age."

Put a pair of sunglasses onJohn Calvin and he looks

like he could perform with ZZTop. This is just one proof ofthe fact that, even at 500 yearsof age, Calvin can still be cool!

Come join Pastor Larry thisspring and discover how the

thoughtful writings of JohnCalvin are still relevant for yourlife today. Since Larry will be

leading, you know there will befunny stories, imaginary maps,strange diagrams, and probablycolored markers. Come join thefellowship!

When: Wednesday morningsfrom 10:00 to 11:30

Where: Portable B

Start date: February 4th

List of related books availablein the library:

John Calvin: A SixteenthCentury Portrait by William J.Bouwsma (B Calvin)

The Presbyterian Handbook(285 PRE)

The History and Character ofCalvinism by John T. McNeill(284.2 MCN)

Presbyterians: Their Historyand Beliefs by Lingle &Kuykendall (285 LIN)

Calvin Can Still Be Cool

Adult Ministry

Journey GroupsHave you been wanting to get to know other church members? Areyou struggling with a New Year’s resolution to join a Bible study? Areyou afraid of long commitments?

Well, then assuming you are a nice person (aren’t we all?), mark yourcalendars for Journey Groups starting in late February. JourneyGroups is an 8-week small group Bible study focusing on growing closerto God and making connections with others in the church. Thoseinterested in leading a group or wanting more info please contact Daleor Shannon Shumaker shannonshumaker@ austin.rr.com / 358-4044(home). Look for details and sign ups in the narthex this January!

Please join MYC this Spring as we read The Mission of Motherhood: TouchingYour Child's Heart for Eternity. We'll be meeting every Thursday morning from9:30-11:30, January 29th - April 30th. Sign up at www.shpc.org/adult/classes_other/MYC.php by January 15th.

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The Colors of JanuaryJanuary may see as many as four different setsof communion table cloths and pastors' stoles.The Christmas paraments continue to be useduntil January 6th, the day of Epiphany, markingthe tradition of the three wise men visiting theChrist child in Bethlehem.

After January 6th, the church switches to greenparaments, symbolizing growth. As the wise menreturned home and shared the news of theirdiscovery, the Good News of the arrival of theMessiah began its spread to all nations. Theliturgical calendar at this time stresses themission of the church.

Exceptions to the use of the Christmas and greenparaments begin to show up in January. Ourchurch uses a special cloth and stoles oncommunion Sunday, with their symbols relatingto communion. The church has flexibility,though, in its choice; since the Christmas andcommunion paraments are both white, eitherset can be used on communion Sunday.

January 11th is a special day marking thebaptism of Jesus as He started his ministry. Thechurch may choose to mark that day by using ourspecial set of ceremonial paraments. This set iswhite, with small purple trim. Instead of onecloth on the communion table, there are four!One lies lengthwise on the table and theremaining three, crosswise. The cloths are alsoused for formal ceremonies like weddings andmemorial services.

After the 11th, our church returns to the greenparaments. These will stay in place throughFebruary. In the February newsletter, we'll learnwhy these special green paraments have thestrange designation of "ordinary!"

For every time there is a season...by Margaret Nakamura

When ice freezes in your dog bowl,what happens to the people with nohome?Freeze Night Ministry! SHPC and othercongregations work with CentralPresbyterian Church (located on 8th andBrazos) to provide emergency shelter.Central provides the building—our part is tostaff the shelter if the freeze is on Mondaysand/or Tuesdays.

How can you help? Come alongside one ofthe current team members to see what it’sall about—the evening host spots are greatfor this.

Interested? Contact Cathy Beard at 263-9910.

Thank you, IHNVolunteers!

You have followed God's command and showncompassion for our brothers and sisters intheir time of crisis. Several of you put indouble or triple time! May God's blessings bereturned to you.

If we've missed your name or misspelled it,please let one of us know and we doapologize. Kim Grubb k4grubbs@yahoo.com/565-9485, and Sue Frye sue.frye@frostbank.com/699-7315

Thank you! JaneThompson, Thelma Morris,Pattie Lawrence, JudyBehr, Fran Miller,Catherine Hilton, theGuernsey famliy , Tomand Mo O’Meara, LizMayfield, Mary andAlexandra Aversa, GriffGriffith, Don Greathouse,Nita & Tary Snyder, JennCallahan, Carol Brandt,Ann McDaniel, Karen Cox,Stuart McIntire, Jane &Bill Hall, the Sampsonfamily, the Langstomfamily, Leslie Womack,Jody Barrett, Tiffany

Kepture, Sunday NightGroup, Bochman family,Lisa & Samuel Teeple,Caren Zysk, Marsha Holt,Linda Wheeler, Amy & LilyHarris, Wayne Crawley,and volunteers from oursupporting churches FaithPresbyterian Church andAbiding Love LutheranChurch

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Sprin

gBr

eak

Before iPods, before DVDs, before hand-held video games, beforeeven cars... we traveled (as families!) long distances just to seewhat was over there.YES, DRAG THEM WITHYOU I F YOU HAVE TO.

Yes , you con t i nue t hef i ne t rad i t i on o f d rag-g i ng you r k id s w i t h youon fam i ly vaca t ion s !Ye s , even i f t hey do no twan t t o go.

Why?

Because t ha t i s how i tha s a lways been andtha t i s how i t w i l l a l -ways be . I f you s u r -v i ved t r ip s w i t h you rfam i ly, t hey a re go i ngto have s u r v i ve t r ip sw i t h t he i r s . A l so i t i s no trea l l y a fam i ly vaca t ioni f t he fam i ly i s n ’ t t he re !

I k now you a re t h i nk i ngt ha t b r i ng i ng an angs t -f i l l ed teenager on a

long road t r ip cou ld bed i f f i c u l t (and i t can be )bu t t he rewards f romth i s r i s k a re amaz i ng.Tak i ng t he t ime ou t andaway j u s t t o be a fam i -l y i s huge and you r k id sknow i t . T he ideaaround a fam i ly vaca-t i on i s no t j u s t t he de s -t i na t i on (Wal ly Wor ld ,anyone? ) bu t t ha tyou ’ re tak i ng t he t imeto re connec t t o t he mos timpor tan t peop le i nyou r l i f e . . . YOUR FAMI -LY. You need a vaca t ionf rom t he wor ld , no tyou r fam i ly.

Remember we on ly havea few year s w i t h t hembefo re t hey go. You

m igh t a s we l l en joyt hem as a fam i ly.

We ’ re a l l i n t h i s t oge th -e r. . .Pa s to r M ike

Family Vacations andRoad Trips

FAMILY MATTERSN e g o t i a t i n gA d o l e s c e n c e

O u r M i n i s t r y t oa n d w i t h p a r e n t s

i s b a c k i nJ a n u a r y.

S u n d ay N i g h t s

6 : 3 0 - 8 : 0 0 .

Po r t a b l e

B u i l d i n g A

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Come Sail AwayIt feels like we’ve just cleanedup the Christmas dinner dishesand yet at SHPC we’re alreadythinking about Christmas2009!

Come and join us during the2009 Christmas season for arelaxing cruise of the beautifulWestern Caribbean. We willleave New Orleans on Decem-ber 26th and travel on the luxu-rious cruise ship CarnivalTriumph with friends, old andnew, from Shepherd of the HillsPresbyterian Church. The five-night adventure will include thenatural beauty of two Caribbe-

an ports of call, as well as allthe fun amenities of a state-of-the-art cruise ship. On our ad-venture together you will havethe leisure time to relax in thewarm breezes, play on thebeaches or just read a bookwhile others take care of all thedetails.

Invite your friends and familyand have them share the fun.We look forward to cruisingwith you.

Interested? We’ll have an in-formational evening January7th from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30p.m. in the new Family Minis-try Center. Come find out!

SHPC SUMMERPLANNING GUIDE 2009

Summers at SHPC are a lot of fun for ourchildren and students! As you start makingsummer plans, please save these dates:

Mexico Mission Trip: June 7th – 12th

(middle school and older, withparents)

SHPC Vacation Bible School (VBS):July 13th – 17th (preschool through 3rd

grade)

Evermore retreat: July 19th - 27th

(mid-highs)

DCLA: June 24th - July 1st (Everlast,a.k.a sr. highs)

Club H2O: Aug10th — 14th (3rd –5th graders)

Looking for a Christian camp foryour elementary, mid-high, or high schoolstudent this summer? Google these camps andcheck out their summer fun.

Presbyterian CampsCho-Yeh — LivingstonJohn Knox Ranch — WimberlyMO-Ranch — Hunt

Other Christian CampsCamp Balcones Springs — Marble FallsCamp Buckner — BurnetCamp Champions — Marble FallsPinecove Christian Camps: Crier Creek —

ColumbusCamp Olympia — TrinityCamp Peniel — Marble FallsH.E. Butt Foundation Camp — LeakeySandy Creek Bible Camp — WashingtonSky Ranches — VanT Bar M Camps — New Braunfels

Know a college student looking for asummer gig? MO-Ranch is now acceptingapplications for summer positions. Check outmoranch.com for more details.

Children’s Ministry News

I’m thrilled to announce to all women thenewest 6-week Wednesday evening studyscheduled to begin January 14th, 6:30 – 8:30p.m., in the library! The format is justslightly different from previous studies since

there are 3 presenters instead of only Beth Moore as in ourprevious classes. A description of the study follows below:Taped at the 2007 Deeper Still event, three women exploredtheir lives and the life of David. Anointed, Transformed,Redeemed: A Study of David contains the audio and videoportions of the Deeper Still conference featuring Beth Moore,Priscilla Shirer, and Kay Arthur.

You’ll laugh with them, cry with them, and learn to love Godwith them. These authors' messages are divided into threesegments, two lessons each. Each segment focuses on the lifeof David at a different stage of his life: as a young man (byPriscilla Shirer), as a middle-aged man (by Beth Moore), and asa man facing the final third of his life (by Kay Arthur).

Please contact Roz Seiler at (hm.) 301-1197; (cell) 965-8294;or (email) rozs@austin.rr.com to register or to get furtherinformation. I have already purchased 25 member books, soI’ll have them available for $13 the evening of the first class.Pre-registration is strongly recommended to ensure there willbe enough books.

WEBSWednesday Evening Bible Study

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RESOURCEFULNESSusing what you have to get the job done

more Children’s Ministry News

The preschool children had a fun and faith-filled Christmas season. The students andparents generously contributed items toassemble six Christmas baskets, completewith turkey and all the fixings for thoseserved by Manos de Cristo. The kids alsoenjoyed caroling at Beckett Meadows withthe other youth and senior members of the

church. As always, the Christmas programand class parties before the break werememorable, with lots of Kodak moments!While Santa was a big hit at preschool, thespecial focus of the month was Baby Jesus'birthday. The New Year will kick off onJanuary 7th with the Winter Wonderland unit,followed by lessons on nursery rhymes anddinosaurs.

—Gina Budd, SHPC Preschool Board

Come set sail with us on The Ark!

Taught Sunday School this falland are ready to do it again?

Has it been a long time sinceyou’ve helped with SundaySchool? Do you feel like 2009 isthe year to spend time withSHPC little ones? Never taughtat all but want to help with ourexciting Sunday morningministry to children? We needyou … all of you!!

Our Ark program is lookingfor teachers and assistants

for the spring session and we’dlove to have you join the team!We ask for one-month (more isfine!) time commitments andthe schedule is wide open sothere are plenty of opportuni-ties to get involved. If interest-ed or if you would like moreinformation, please contact KimArthur (kim@shpc.org, 892-3580ext. 111) … a sign up sheet isalso located at the Children’sTable in the Narthex. Lookingforward to spending 2009 withyou!

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YOUNG LIFEat Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

YOUNG LIFE IS STARTING ON MONDAYS IN JANUARYOUR MISSION: Reach out to adolescent youth so that we may share the Gospel of Jesus Christand help them grow in their faith.

WHAT IS YOUNG LIFE?Bowie Young Life Club...Is a weekly meeting that is filled with humor,

singing, games, and a brief message about

God in simple terms that unchurched and

disinterested kids can understand. Club has

been referred to as “controlled chaos”, but we

see it as an unparalleled opportunity to share

the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Campaigners (Small Groups)Is a weekly Bible study where kids can ask real

questions and hear honest answers about their

struggles, their fears, and who God is.

CampsMore than 60,000 kids experience the “best

week of their lives” at one of Young Life’s 25

national properties each year. Camp is designed

to provides kids with fun, adventure, challenges,

and a chance to consider a personal relationship

with God.

Please be praying for our new BowieYoung Life ministry as they....Pray for young people.Go to where the kids are.Build personal relationships with them.Share their lives and the Good News of Jesus Christwith adolescents.Invite them to personally respond to the Good Newsof Jesus Christ.Love them regardless of their response.Help young people develop the skills, assets, andattitudes to reach their full God-given potential.Help kids and their families live connected to theBody of Christ by being an active member of alocal Church — not necessarily SHPC.

Young Life starts on Monday nights in the Family

Ministry Center.

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Adult Ministry

Foundations

Foundations: A Year InRetrospectYet another year has slippedby, and it seems to haveflown by quicker than thelast. We, the Foundationsgroup, have had a lot goingon. This past year wewelcomed new bundles ofjoy into our existingfamilies, and also welcomednew families into theFoundations group. We setup an African branch for awhile when one of ourfamilies relocated there (butthey’ll soon be back!). Wecelebrated one of our owngetting her doctorate. Wealso celebrated milestonebirthdays, and partied in theriver. We prayed for eachother in times of need. Wemourned the loss of lovedones. We opened our mindsand hearts to the word ofthe Lord. We grew inunderstanding in what itmeans to be a disciple ofChrist.

Through all of this, we didthis as a Foundations family.Each of these events broughtus not only closer to eachother in friendship, but they

also helped strengthen ourmarriages, and brought uscloser to God.

The Foundations family hopeyou and yours had awonderful and holidays, andlook forward to what 2009brings to all!

Foundations is a youngfamily group which meetsweekly, and allows you tocome together and explorethe Bible in a casualenvironment. Part of ourstudies focus on exploringthe previous Sunday'ssermon and seeing how itapplies to us individually, asa married couple, as afamily, and as a faithcommunity. ButFoundations offers so muchmore. It is a place to buildgreat friendships, share yourjoys and sorrows with oneanother, and to have fun.The class is open to all andtargets young families -please come join us(childcare is available)! Ifyou are interested in moreinformation, please contactJohn Gillis (453-7866) orJames Lee (577-7470).

Make Cursillo a Part ofYour New Year's Resolu-tion to Grow Closer toGod!January seems to be aboutimproving many areas of ourlives: healthier nutrition, moreexercise, more time with friendsand family, less debt, less TV,different job, etc.

But what about resolutions forthe New Year that involve yourspirituality? Begin 2009 with atime away - a time dedicated togrowing closer to God throughfellowship, devotion andlearning. Be a part of Cursillo#27, February 19-22, 2009 atCamp Buckner, near Marble Falls.Visit the Austin PresbyterianCursillo website site for moreinformation: austincursillo.org,contact Pastor Larry or PastorMike. You may also look formembers on any Sunday wearingan "Ask Me about Cursillo"button. They will be happy toshare their experience with youor answer any questions youhave.

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Mary-Martha Circle will meet Thursday, January8th at 10 a.m. in portable B. Our lesson is Number

5, “The Dead Are Raised,” from Jubilee! Luke'sGospel for the Poor and will be presented by SallyJo Elliott. For more information please call Laurel

Calhoun, Moderator, at 892-5530.

Groan-Ups Games Day is set for Tuesday January10th in Room 7 at 10 a.m. Come have a good timewith us! Refreshments provided. Call Jim Black ifyou wish, 892-2982 or james7388@sbcglobal.net,

or just be there.

Fellowship Bridge Group will play the secondFriday in January—the 9th—at 7 p.m. in Room 7.Our hosts are Mal & Blanche Hunter. Please callVirginia McNutt at 288-7187 or Martha Meador byTuesday, December 6th if you would like to play.

Our December winner was Bob Merrifield.

The annual Golden Years Lunch Bunch will meetas usual for fellowship and food at 11:30 on thesecond Saturday of January, the 10th. Jim Blackwill be your host; contact him by January 7th to

make your reservation. Check the SHPC website formore details.

Spring is not far off!

April 14th-16th are the dates for the SAM SpringRetreat at Camp Buckner.

Wild flowers, warm breezes, good food and greatfriendships are just a few images that come tomind when you think of spring retreat.

Approximate cost is:

$125 per person-2 nights-2 per room$175 per person-2 nights-1 per room$50.00 will hold your space for this fun retreat,final payment due March 10th 2009.

PUT THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR NOW &JOIN US

More details coming soon. If you have questionscall: Sally Jo Elliott 892-0845

Library AcquisitionsIf the November column was a

Buechner festival, this onecelebrates Richard Rohr (plus a surpriseaddition!)

226.4 ROH The Good News According to Luke —Rohr "delineates some of the major themes ofLuke. You can depend on this author toconsistently come up with unique insights andepiphanies that cut to the soul of things." -Frederic Brusset

220.9 ROH Soul Brothers; Men in the BibleSpeak to Men Today — Rohr, "a great writer,gives depth to Biblical figures usually presentedas one-dimensional." - Thomas Moore

243.21 ROH Hope Against Darkness; theTransforming Vision of Saint Francis in an Age ofAnxiety — "Here, again, [Rohr] gives much toponder." - Frederic Brusset

248 ROH Radical Grace —Daily meditations byRichard Rohr.

248.3 ROH Everything Belongs; the Gift ofContemplative Prayer - This is arguably theauthor's best-known writing.

252 ROH Simplicity; the Freedom of LettingGo — "St. Francis's ancient call to the simple life,explained by America's foremost Franciscan."This book challenges readers to a more radicalChristian life.

And as a special treat from Howard Kushnerof When Bad Things Happen to GoodPeople fame, another national best-seller:

296.7 KUS How Good Do We Have to Be; a NewUnderstanding of Guilt and Forgiveness

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Help! Not just anybody. Help! You know I needsomeone. Heeellllp!

Funny how a song from more than 40 years agotakes on new meaning in the midst of today'sfinancial turmoil. Written by John Lennon andrecorded by the Beatles in 1965, Help wasn'tabout financial troubles, but perhaps it capturesthe way you're starting to feel. Disappearingjobs, disappearing retirement accounts,increasing credit card interest rates and fees,increasing food prices…isn't there someone outthere who can please, please, help me?

Guess what?! There is someone out there readyto help you! In fact, there are a whole lot of"someones" out there ready to help you. Butjust like that old Johnny Lee tune, Looking forLove (in All the Wrong Places), many of themare, well, crooks. So here are some DOs andDON'Ts for getting help during this time offinancial turmoil (or anytime, for that matter).

First and foremost, DO remember that no matterwhat, you've always got God. Yeah, I know, He'snot going to write your mortgage check. But Hewill walk beside you and share your burden andworry. And if you keep your heart and mindopen to Him, you'll find some doors opening thatyou didn't even know were there.

When it comes to getting help from mortals,however, DO always remember that if it soundstoo good to be true, it is too good to be true!Take for example all of those ads for debt reliefthat talk about your legal right to walk awayfrom a bunch of your credit card debt, or thelittle-known programs credit card companieshave to settle your debt. DON'T fall for them!Why not? See my May 2008 article Got Debt?Get Milk! (check the end of this article fordetails).

So who can you turn to? Glad you asked!Because there are several people right here atSHPC who can help you figure out what you needto do, help you find the right resources to do it,walk along side of you as you move forward. DOtalk to Larry Coulter, for example, or Tom

O'Meara or me, Allen Gunter (details at the endof this article).

Do we have all the answers? Don't I wish! Butwe do have some of them and will do our best tohelp you figure out what's best for you andwhere you can get the assistance you need. Andwe'll start right here with some basicinformation.

First off, DON'T panic. Most of the time, thingsaren't as bad as they seem. Look, I've beenthere, done that. Had trouble sleeping at night.Just didn't feel like eating. Crabby with thepeople I love the most. Each time it's theunknown that gets me. And each time, once Isize up the situation and have a plan, I sleep,eat and smile again.

So DO step back and take some time to reallysee where you're at. Make a list of all yourdebts including how much you owe and howmuch you pay each month. Take a look at whatyou spend each month. And then make aseparate list of anything that's not monthly. Forme, that's car insurance, homeownersassociation dues and (gulp) property taxes.Summarize your income, separating regularincome from special payments like bonuses,irregular overtime.

Do that, and I'll bet you'll learn a lot!

I've got some worksheets that will help (see theend of this article for details). They'd be a greatway to fill those sleepless nights. And if you'dlike some help with them, I'd be happy to workwith you. Look, information is power. Themore information you have about yourfinancial situation, the more power you willhave to do something about it.

No matter what your current financial situation,I have three strong recommendations:

ð DON'T take on any new debt

ð DO pay off any debt you already have assoon as you can.

submitted by Allen Gunter

Help! I need somebody...

continued, next page

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ð DO let your family know about where youstand financially

To get started on the first two, DO check out theBudget Guy archives. There's a number ofarticles on both avoiding debt and getting out ofit.

As for telling your family? Your spouse and anyother adults in your immediate family have aright to know how things stand financially. Andthey have a responsibility to help the family getthrough the current financial turmoil.

But what about the kids? First and foremost,they need to know that you're going to keepthem safe. That they're still going to have a roofover their heads, food on the table, decentclothing. But they also need to know that atleast for a while, it may not be fast food orclothing from Hollister. The birthday party mayneed to be smaller - and no moonwalk or lazertag.

DO do your best to keep current on all your bills.But if something has to slip, DON'T let it be yourmortgage, utility bills or car payments. Youneed a roof over your head, water, heat, etc.and a way to get to work. Get behind on those,and you lose them.

Look, I don't know when the current financialmess is going to get better. Could be just a fewmonths, but it could be a year or two. I do knowthis, though - your financial life will start gettingbetter when you start taking action to make itbetter. There are people here at SHPC thathave the expertise to help you do that. All you

need to supply is the determination to make ithappen!

And if you want to start with any of the BudgetGuy's past articles or the worksheets mentionedin this article, here's how to find them:

Online: Go to www.shpc.org/finance/budget_guy/bg_archive.php

Ask the Budget Guy and he'll give them toyou in church, or e-mail or snail mail themto you - your choice: Allen Gunter, 301-1246, BudgetGuy@shpc.org

And remember, SHPC's Financial OutreachMinistry can help. Just get in touch with one ofus:

Larry Coulter: 426-4109; larry@shpc.orgAllen Gunter: 301-1246; BudgetGuy@shpc.orgTom O'Meara: 892-5390; tom.omeara@

sbcglobal.net

We will help you in any way we can. It's free andcompletely confidential. If you'd rather take afinancial class in a small group setting, get intouch with:

Chris Gordon: 484-1905; gordon1@austin.rr.com

Roger Wade: 301-4921; rcwactuary@austin.rr.com

Either of them can give you information aboutSHPC's Financial Outreach Small Study Groups.

No matter how bad your current financialsituation, you're only alone if you choose to be.

Tom Long, Mary Louise Bringle, PaulWestermeyer, and Scott Black Johnston willoffer a time for alumni/ae and friends of AustinPresbyterian Theological Seminary to combinetopics of interest with warm fellowship duringMidWinters, February 2-4, 2009. In additionto the lectures, there will be a HomecomingFiesta, a screening of the award-winningdocumentary At the Death House Door, andopportunities for dialogue with the lecturersand other participants.

The three-day event at Austin Seminary'scampus will include seven lectures, fourreunion events, distinguished alum awards,

faculty book signings, and tours of theSeminary's new residence, Anderson House.The annual MidWinters event has beenoccurring at Austin Seminary since the late1940s. Generous churches and individuals inDallas, Corpus Christi, and Fort Worth whovalue the education and formation of clergyhave financially supported the lectures seriesover the years.

To register and purchase tickets, and to view acomplete schedule of events, please visitwww.austinseminary.edu/midwinters. Thosewho pre-register online will receivecomplimentary audio CDs of the lectures.

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary: Midwinters

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Joys – Andrea & Mark Macera, with big sister Addison, welcomed Mason Christopher on December 10th—Lana Marie Bales was born December 5th; she’s the great-granddaughter of Mary Lynn Sheirer, the great-nieceof Jamie May & the 2nd cousin of Max and Madison Roland—MSgt. Britian Yocum, nephew-in-law of Rebecca

Robertson, safely home from his deployment—Sally Schilstra delightedly reports that her friend Valerie’s sons,Scott & Brent Eads, have returned safely from Iraq—Neal C. Hollar & Jessica Lapruing were married on November 22nd;Neal is the son of Marilyn & Roger Wade

Sorrows – Alyssa Hutton’s mother passed away October 19th—Dr. Robert K. Morris died November 30th after anextended battle with Parkinson's Disease; Bob was the brother of Harriet Cavness—Katy Bourgeois’ grandfather passed awayNovember 30th —Cliff Wilkins, father of Shae Wilkins and brother of Doug, passed away recently after a long battle with lung cancer

Please pray for — Pattie Lawrence’s brother-in-law, Alan Wayland, recovering from a partial thyroidectomy—JessicaGraffunder's son, Owen, hospitalized to determine the reason for possible seizures and metabolic disorder—Shellie Horner's son,Mathew, recent MRI—Jean Miller, friend of Tom & Jan Fiedler, suffering from cancer—Bruce Warren, recovering from hipresurfacing surgery—all who have lost someone to death this year—Marjorie Parmer, hospitalized for treatment of a collapsedlung—Carol Gilchrist’s cousin, Noma Strang, who has had 3 strokes recently—Sheryl Hall‘s friend Leann Martin, whose mother,Beverly, may not live through the holidays—Bill & Jane Hall’s good friend, Mary Maye, hospitalized—Lou England, mother of JoyceStewart, hospitalized—Sue Cozart, recovering from surgery with more to come—Dan Lawler’s childhood friend, Jim Wright, all thesymptoms of a neurological accident but no definite diagnosis yet—Bobby Glenn, brother-in-law of Beaman Floyd, ongoingtreatment for renal cancer—Pat Seyfarth’s mother, Helen Carr, hospitalized following a TIA incident—Sheryl Hall, strength for herfamily—Kathleen Abbott, Sarah Stranahan’s niece, undergoing chemo —the Eastern Congo—the family of Carson Starkey after hisunexpected death—Eddie & Stacey Reynolds’ friend Stephen Gumbs and his family; Stephen is receiving his last chemo treatmentthis month—Fanny Mae Calcutt, grandmother of Stacey Reynolds, hospitalized in final stages of bone cancer—Madeleine Lukadineeds work; she is seeking a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) position—Kevin Furlong, in ICU in Dallas after a motorcycle accident—Luke Buffler recovering from surgery for an arachnoid cyst —Shawn & Valerie Ashbaugh and family are moving to St. Louis,Missouri in December or January; Val got a great job offer from Boeing—Luke Ayers, safely home following hip surgery; he will berecuperating for the next 4 to 6 months—a friend of Judy Behr, Shane Shields, recently hospitalized for still-unexplained severehigh blood pressure—Pastor Clement Munthali & the congregation of Manyamula Presbyterian Church—Pastor ChimwemweMhango and his family

Please pray for members of the Armed Forces, loved ones, and all world leaders involved in war zone crises including:Jason Addison, son of Al & Jai Leigh Addison… Alan Robinson, former student of Carol Ideker... Brian Tiede,friend of Sherine Thomas & Tom Nuckols... Jeff Johnson, friend of Angela & Jeff Peterson... Clinton Purcell,Doug Budd’s co-worker's son... Buddy Lopez... Daisy Bates’ nephew, Taiga Sevaaetasi... Dennis Low... CharlesBarclay II, friend of Doug Budd, & the 433rd Combat Engineering Squadron... Todd Plybon, co-worker of KarmenMiller... Nicki Bradshaw’s son William Steele... Paul Floyd, brother of Beaman... Chris Lehmann, son of MarkLehmann... Sherry Todd’s nephew, Michael Sybrant...

ANNIVERSARIES1 Jan Robin & Stephen Lenertz, Howard

& Molly Wentworth3 Jan Debbie & Rollin Breed5 Jan Al & Ruth Olson, Lawrence & Gay

Langston7 Jan Lynn & Mike Kelley19 Jan William & Bettye Lindsey21 Jan Marilyn & Tom Lane, Alex &

Candice Valdes23 Jan Dan & Ramsay Mudgett, Shae &

Kimber Wilkins25 Jan Jennifer & Terry Sims Elliott31 Jan Robert & Joyce McLaughlin

SILVER ANNIVERSARIES8 Jan Phil & Polly Kruczkowski, Buddy &

Ernie Lopez22 Jan David & Cindy Breed

BIRTHDAYS1 Jan Bill Brock, Carol Mize, Brenda

Parsons, Madison Lee, Josh Whitten2 Jan Lindsey Ginko3 Jan Catherine Hilton, Ron Miller, Mike

Berryman, Jeff Long, Austin Walsh,Cassie Gunter, River Ginko

4 Jan Ken Frye, Hester Louw, AudreyProsser, Rachel Chambers

5 Jan Trevor Garrett, D.J. Breed, SamCole, Hayden Schultz

6 Jan Deborah Rich, Lindsey Fetty,Lauren Roberts

7 Jan David Kluckhohn, Sarah Crawley8 Jan Edi Falk, Dick Klusmann, Brooke

Fertig9 Jan Daniel Gonzales, Amelia Crawford10 Jan Robert Vela, Cody Hackett11 Jan Gary Mann, Bill Chambers, Shawn

Ashbaugh, Megan Meyer, JessicaErps, Elizabeth Farwell, Kade Price,Rhett Doss, Juliana Cabello

12 Jan Paul Stein, Meredith Stevenson,Alexandra Ramirez, David Howard,Emily Morales, Kaitlyn Morales,Amaya Boehman

13 Jan Jennifer Benner, Holly Penrod14 Jan Ada Engler, Cathy Beard, Wesley

Ballew, Isabella Klotz15 Jan Nicki Bradshaw, Krystal Craig,

Lauren Gray, Lauren Peterson16 Jan Caren Zysk, Howard Wentworth,

Grant Schneider, Cole Hardwick,Jake Wentworth

17 Jan Lisa Simpson, Norwood Williams,Shane Wilkins, Abby Aardema, SamAardema

18 Jan Jack Gilchrist, Joseph Soto19 Jan Peggy Tinnes, Preston Wheeler20 Jan Kent Stromberg, Kimber Wilkins,

Keith Ashorn, Allie Spink21 Jan Matthew Lineberry, Georgia

Edwards22 Jan Jim Black, Kate Fetty, Garrison

Land, Maggie Oliver23 Jan Clyde Hudson, Sarah Morgan24 Jan Pauline Beezley, Marie Velliquette,

Joy Kouts, Liz Flynn, TiffanyKapture, Carissa Milam, ElizabethCognetti, Tsheila Ngalamulume

25 Jan Mike Icenhauer-Ramirez, GriffinKlein

26 Jan Roger Wade, Gloria Drake, BillTrevillion

27 Jan Rachel Parmer, Jane Guernsey,Grace Buffler

28 Jan Pat Franzolino, Lisa Crawford,Ashley Franco, Cameron Stuewe,Chance Valdes

29 Jan Dan Bjeletich, Erica Taylor, RitaTeague

30 Jan Warren Hyde, Pattie Lawrence,Paky Callahan

31 Jan Allison Junkin, John McDaniel

13Feel free to tear off and save this page to help you keep on top of everything that’s happening at Shepherd of the Hills!

1 Thursday New Year’s DayThe church office will reopen Friday, January 2nd.

4 Sunday9:30 a.m. The Ark, UpStreet, NO Faithwalk11 a.m. The Ark, Live B.I.G.6:30 p.m. Everlast Evening Fellowship

Family Matters, port. A5 Monday

5 p.m. DV*8, Student Lounge6:30 p.m. Disciple 1, library :: Disciple 3, Seilers’

7 Wednesday6 p.m. Foundations, port. B :: Evergreen6:30 p.m. Cruise Night, FMC7 p.m. Evermore Evening Fellowship

8 Thursday9:30 a.m. Disciple 1, library10 a.m. Mary-Martha Circle, FMC :: Retired Men’s Chris-

tian Association, port B6 p.m. Handbell Choir, room 57 p.m. Worship Choir, room 5 :: Disciple 4, library

Book Group, room 79 Friday

Evermore (mid-high) departs for MidWinters7 p.m. Fellowship Bridge Group, rm 7

10 Saturday11:30 a.m. Golden Years Lunch Bunch

11 Sunday9:30 a.m. The Ark, UpStreet, Faithwalk11 a.m. The Ark, Live B.I.G. Evermore (mid-high) returns from MidWinters6:30 p.m. Everlast Evening Fellowship

Family Matters, port. A12 Monday

10 a.m. SAM Council5 p.m. DV*8, Student Lounge6:30 p.m. Disciple 1, library :: Disciple 3, Seilers’

13 Tuesday6:15 a.m. Men’s Life10 a.m. Icing on the Cake, port. A

“Groan”-Ups Game Day, room 714 Wednesday

6 p.m. Foundations, port. B :: Evergreen7 p.m. Evermore Evening Fellowship

15 Thursday6 p.m. Handbell Choir, room 57 p.m. Worship Choir, room 5 :: Disciple 4, library

18 Sunday9:30 a.m. The Ark, UpStreet, Faithwalk11 a.m. The Ark, Live B.I.G.6:30 p.m. Everlast Evening FellowshipFEBRUARY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

19 Monday5 p.m. DV*8, Student Lounge6:30 p.m. Disciple 1, library :: Disciple 3, Seilers’

20 Tuesday6:15 a.m. Men’s Life10 a.m. Icing on the Cake, port. A

21 Wednesday6 p.m. Foundations, port. B :: Evergreen7 p.m. Evermore Evening Fellowship

22 Thursday9:30 a.m. Disciple 1, library10 a.m. Retired Men’s Christian Association, port B6 p.m. Handbell Choir, room 57 p.m. Worship Choir, room 5 :: Disciple 4, library

25 Sunday9:30 a.m. The Ark, UpStreet, Faithwalk11 a.m. The Ark, Live B.I.G.6:30 p.m. Everlast Evening Fellowship

Family Matters, port. A26 Monday

5 p.m. DV*8, Student Lounge6:30 p.m. Disciple 1, library :: Disciple 3, Seilers’

27 Tuesday6:15 a.m. Men’s Life10 a.m. Icing on the Cake, port. A

28 Wednesday6 p.m. Foundations, port. B :: Evergreen7 p.m. Evermore Evening Fellowship

29 Thursday6 p.m. Handbell Choir, room 57 p.m. Worship Choir, room 5 :: Disciple 4, library