The Tower (March 2014)

p. 8-16

A Good Place to Begin at the Church: StartingPoint p. 5

Chemical Engineer Ministers through Art at Munger Place Church p. 22

Holy Week and Easter Worship p. 17

Tower_MARCH2014.indd 1 2/21/14 11:22 AM

This issue of The Tower includes a special Lenten Devotional (p. 8-16) that begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5 and concludes on Easter Sunday, April 20. Additional interactive opportunities can be found at hpumc.org/lent. The devotional will challenge and inspire you with Scripture, reflection questions, and opportunities to take action with your faith by using your gifts to serve both inside and outside the church. Articles throughout this magazine highlight ways to serve, including some that are not as well known as others.

Jesus came to serve and he calls us to do the same. Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:4-5, “Don’t look after your own interests, but focus on the interest of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.”

I can’t help but think of my Great-Uncle Lynn when I read this Scripture. He spent countless hours volunteering through his church. He was a humble man of few words, so I wasn’t exactly sure how he spent his volunteer time. After Lynn passed away, his pastor revealed that my great-uncle’s behind-the-scenes service to the church had a lasting ripple effect. Those he served to and with didn’t always recall everything he said or did, but they remembered how Lynn made them feel because of how he served. I didn’t recognize it at the time, but I now understand that Lynn wasn’t much of a talker because his gifts included being a good listener and a man of action. I learned from Lynn that serving with a Christ-like attitude is more important than an obvious skill set.

Serving not only helps others, but it makes us more like Jesus. Go online to hpumc.org/serve to discover how you can use your gifts, talents and abilities to serve.

Kari Milam, Editor of The Tower

The Tower (USPS #021324) is published quarterly by Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205-2327. Periodicals Postage at Dallas, TX. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tower MAGAZINE, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205-2327.

5 Ways to Worship

Sanctuary Traditional Worship

Sunday 8:30, 9:30 & 11:00 am

Cornerstone Contemporary Worship

Wesley Hall Saturday, 5:00 pm

Sunday, 9:30 & 11:00 am

Kerygma A Teaching Service

Room 120 Sunday, 11:00 am

Highland Park United Methodist Church 3300 Mockingbird Lane | Dallas, TX 75205

214.521.3111 | [email protected] | hpumc.org

Cox Chapel Communion & Liturgy Service

8:30 am Communion 11:00 am Liturgy & Sacrament

Munger Place Church Contemporary Worship

5200 Bryan Street Sunday, 9:30 & 11:00 am

Join the conversation.

Emergency and Crisis Calls:

The Congregational Care staff is available to serve you 24 hours a day. Ministers can be

reached at the church during regular office hours. After 5:00 pm, please call the church’s

emergency after-hours phone number of 214.802.1807.

The mission of Highland Park United Methodist Church is to help people become deeply devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

©2014 Highland Park United Methodist Church

Editor’s Letter

A Letter from Rev. Paul Rasmussen

A Good Place to Begin at Church: StartingPoint

Life Resources: Lenten Studies & Events

Stations of the Cross

Lenten Devotional

Holy Week and Easter Worship

The HPUMC Donation Drop: Volunteer Your Time & Donate Treasures

Family Ministries Volunteer Spotlight: Todd & Emily Massey

Adult Sunday Morning Classes: A Glimpse into Serving as a Lay Leader

Chemical Engineer Ministers through Art at Munger Place Church

Caring Ministry: Help Members Stay Connected to Church

Special Needs Volunteer: Unsung Hero Serves Behind the Scenes

Volunteers Share Gift of Music with HPUMC’s Porter Memorial Carillon

Altar Guild Volunteers Serve Important Role with Worship

Project Center Volunteers Assist the Church in a Variety of Ways

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See hpumc.tv for live streaming worship options and links to sermon archives.

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The Tower | SPRING 2014 hpumc.org

Tower_MARCH2014.indd 2-3 2/21/14 11:22 AM

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you… Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:14-17

I love Lent. Sometimes our modern sensibilities overshadow the value of this ancient Christian season. And sometimes we undervalue Lent by reducing it to a period of abstinence from trivial things like coffee, sweets, or Facebook. We, in fact, want you to interact with us on social media this Lenten Season.

Now I realize that for some of us, staying away from Twitter for 40 days can really be life changing. But there’s so much more to this sacred season than we usually appreciate. Lent can be the catalyst for profound spiritual renewal when we focus less on a small change in our own life, and more on what just might be a huge change on the life of somebody else.

Think about it. In the days leading up to his arrest and crucifixion, Jesus talked a lot about serving one another. In fact, on the very night before Jesus died, he served his followers by washing their feet. He was sending out a clear message to his disciples...even in your own time of need, think of others first.

Lent is the perfect time to utilize the spiritual gifts God has given you to help someone else. It’s a great time to leverage your own blessings for someone other than you. We have all been given talents, gifts, and graces. And the simple act of sharing them with others has great power to break down barriers and unexpectedly open hearts. Because Jesus loved people, he served them as a way of expressing his love for them.

This Lent, I’d like to invite you to join me in working through our Lenten Devotional that’s included in this issue of The Tower and the interactive content you can find at hpumc.org/lent. You’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your relationship with Christ, pray deeply, renew your spiritual vitality and get involved in serving.

Blessings,

Rev. Paul Rasmussen Senior Minister of HPUMC

A Letter from Rev. Paul RasmussenA Good Place to Begin at Church:

StartingPoint

• B Y C A T H Y C H A P M A N •

Would you like to get more involved at the church but don’t know where to begin? Whether you’re a

visitor or member, we invite you to attend StartingPoint, which is held on the first Sunday of every month from 4:00 to 5:00 pm in Room 120.

We have a segment on Methodism, the history of HPUMC, what membership is all about, and a short video that brings the vows of membership to life through the eyes of folks in our congregation.

You’ll have time to consider how you can volunteer, how you can connect to others in meaningful ways, who to turn to when your family is in need of care, how to pledge, and how to join. You’ll learn all this in one short

hour, which also includes time for questions and face time with some of our staff. No formality is necessary—come casual! Refreshments are served, and you’ll receive a folder chock-full of information.

At each session of StartingPoint, the group averages 45 lay people, 10 staff and clergy, and several loyal volunteers. An optional tour of the

campus is held after the session, and KidCare is offered as well as a supervised activity for older kids.

More than 1,000 folks have already attended StartingPoint, and we invite you to come and bring a friend. You’ll leave with a new perspective on your church and be personally challenged to continue to build on the amazing legacy started nearly 100 years ago here at 3300 Mockingbird Lane.

CATHY CHAPMAN has been on staff at HPUMC for seven years and a church member for six.She met her husband, Davis, at HPUMC and they were married in Cox Chapel. They have a cat and dog and enjoy traveling to Atlanta to visit two daughters, a new grand- daughter and extended family.Cathy enjoys serving in Stephen Ministry, a one-to-one lay caring ministry.

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT STARTINGPOINT:Cathy Chapman, Membership [email protected], 214.523.2122Register online at: hpumc.org/StartingPoint

Lauri Lueder, director of GroupLife, talks about the history of HPUMC in StartingPoint.

Paul Jr., Ashley, Luke, Paul & Arden Rasmussen

Rev. Paul Rasmussen has referred to

StartingPoint as the trailhead where a path

begins. StartingPoint is an informal session

that provides a comprehensive look at what

HPUMC is all about. What is the church’s rich

history? What resources are available to fulfill

our church’s mission? What is the mission?

How do I join HPUMC?

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Life Resources: Lenten Studies & Events

Lent is a time to renew and deepen our faith, and Life Resources offers several studies to help you on that journey.

Women’s Bible Fellowship: Spring Study - The Cross

The study is designed to bring us to the heart of the cross with an understanding of what was accomplished there on our behalf.

Mondays, March 3 - May 19 7:00–8:15 am, HPUMC, Room 241 $8 per person

Fat Tuesday Feast A Theology of Food Event

Join your church family as we begin the season of Lent together. Mark Stamm, professor of Christian Worship at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology, and Erin Williams, director of HPUMC’s Adult Ministry, will be your hosts at a feast preparing us for the important 40 days before Easter. Dinner will be served in Great Hall before a lecture and table discussion.

Tuesday, March 4 6:00–8:00 pm, HPUMC, Great Hall $15 per person

Lenten Study 24 Hours That Changed the World

No single event in human history has received more attention than the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. In this study: Walk with Jesus on his final day. Sit beside him at the Last Supper. Pray with him in Gethsemane. Follow him to the cross. Desert him. Deny him. Experience the Resurrection.

Two Different Sessions:

1. Open to men and women Tuesdays, March 4 - April 15 6:30–7:45 pm, HPUMC, Room 387 $15 per person Led by Ramsey Burke Patton

2. HPUMC Women’s Bible Study Thursdays, March 13 - April 24 9:30–11:00 am, HPUMC, Room 386 $15 per person Led by Rev. Susan Robb

Women’s Lent StudyAll women are invited to study the life and suffering of Jesus and discuss how it relates to our lives today.

Thursdays, March 6- April 10 Noon–1:00 pm, HPUMC, Room 362 Free; Just bring your Bible Led by Ramsey Burke Patton and Erin Williams

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THESE STUDIES:Register online at: hpumc.org/lent

The Stations of the Cross at HPUMC

The devotion of the Stations of the Cross originated in the late 4th century when pilgrims flocked from all

parts of the world to visit the land of Jesus. Heading the list of places they visited was the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which had been built by the Emperor Constantine in 335 AD atop Calvary and the tomb of Jesus.

Over the years, the route of pilgrim processions—beginning at the ruins of the Fortress Antonia and ending at the church of the Holy Sepulcher—was accepted as the way that Jesus went to his death. It was known as the “Via Dolorosa,” the “Sorrowful Way.” Today, it winds through the crowded areas of Jerusalem’s Old City, and pilgrims still travel it in prayer. “Stations” developed on this venerable route as early pilgrims honored places where specific incidents took place as Jesus went to Calvary.

What matters most in the Stations of the Cross is to follow Jesus Christ in his passion and to see ourselves mirrored in him. To face life’s dark side in ourselves and in our world, we need images of hope. By accompanying him on the Way of the Cross, we gain his courageous patience and learn to trust in God.

Experience the Stations of the Cross at HPUMC this Lenten Season in Cox Chapel

Cox Chapel will be open for individuals for a

self-guided experience. Stations of the Cross

“Follow Me” booklets will be available.

Ash Wednesday, March 5 - Good Friday, April 18

Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–8:00 pm (not available during memorial services)

Saturdays, 7:00 am–7:00 pm (not available during memorial services & weddings)

Sundays, 7:00 am–7:00 pm (not available during worship services)

Stations of the Cross Service in Cox Chapel

Wednesday, April 16 6:00–7:00 pm Led by Rev. Barbara Marcum Music by Chris Brunt

Interior of HPUMC Cox Chapel

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Wednesday, March 5 – Saturday, March 8

• A S H W E D N E S D A Y W E E K •

Join us for Ash Wednesday worship services in the

Sanctuary today at noon and 7:00 pm.

What do you think is the difference between earthly

and heavenly treasures?

Lent is meant for inward reflection and deeper

communion with God. Does your Lenten practice

revolve around you alone, or does it lead you closer

to God?

How might you pursue heavenly treasures the next 40

days? What would that look like in your life and/or the

life of your family?

ACTION : Consider a way you can serve

guests and visitors to the church. You can help

people find parking, welcome them to worship,

or help us follow up with visitors. Contact Mary Ann Hoover at [email protected] to sign up for one Sunday during Lent.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:19-20

WORD: Treasure

FACT: The ashes placed on people’s foreheads on Ash Wednesday are the remains of burned palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. Ashes symbolize both human mortality (Genesis 1:7) and repentance of sin (Job 42:6).

Initially, ashes were sprinkled over people’s heads on Ash Wednesday. Now they are traditionally placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross.

The Season of Lent is commonly confused with

40 days of self-improvement. We ask ourselves

what we can get rid of to help us live a better

life. We avoid certain foods, refuse to cuss, drink more

water, etc. in an effort to suffer or be uncomfortable

for an extended period of time. However, observing

Lent is meant to be a very positive experience. This

season is a time to look inward, pray, and sacrifice with

God in mind. Yes, there is self-denial, but the end goal

of Lent is deeper communion with God and a greater

awareness of his love in our lives.

You’re invited to a new Lenten experience. During these

next 40 days, we hope you will journey with us to the

cross. You will learn about the season of Lent, read

Scriptures that challenge and inspire you, ask yourself

questions, and have the opportunity to take action in

your faith. Our prayer is that God will transform your

life, and you will be ready and eager to experience the

joy of Easter Sunday.

For an interactive Lenten experience, go to : hpumc.org/lent.

We invite you to read the Scripture, ask the daily questions, do the action items and check the hpumc.org/lent page for fun interactive stuff, including the Word of the Week.

ACTION: Clean out your closets, drawers,

attics or garages and give the earthly treasures

you can live without to those in need. Bring

those items to the Donation Drop at the

church to give them new life. Collection bins

and clothes racks can be found just inside the

doors of the Wallace Building during the week

and on Sunday morning. (See p. 18 to learn

more about the Donation Drop.)

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Sunday, March 16 – Saturday, March 22

SCRIPTURE: John 3:16-21

WORD: Salvation

FACT: Sundays are not included in the 40 days of Lent because they are considered feast days, or “mini-Easters.” They are a glimpse into what is to come, the joy of Easter, and they temper the more somber observance of the 40 days.

Sunday, March 9 - Saturday, March 15

What tempts you away from a relationship with God?

Do you ever take time away from the busyness of

life to be by yourself to pray, reflect, and spend time

with God?

In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus rejects what the devil offers

him because he is totally dependent on God for

fulfillment. What do you depend on for fulfillment?

What would you eat after fasting for 40 days?

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 4:1-11

WORD: Temptation

FACT: The 40 days of Lent represent the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry. The 40 days also have roots in Old Testament times. Moses stayed on Mount Sinai with God for 40 days, and God’s people, the Israelites, wandered in the desert for 40 years after being delivered from slavery under the Egyptians.

ACTION: Give up one meal a day this week

or one meal a week during Lent. Donate the

money you might have spent on those meals to

bless others. Give online at hpumc.org/outreach. Use the time you would have spent

eating to pray or read the Bible.

In Matthew 4:8, Jesus talks about “the kingdoms of

the world and their splendor.” What do you think those

would be in today’s world?

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus says, “One does not live by

bread alone, but by every word that comes from the

mouth of God.” What would that look like in your life?

ACTION : Join us for local outreach

opportunities on Tuesday, Wednesday and

Thursday of this Spring Break week! Find out details at: hpumc.org/spring-break-at-hpumc.

ACTION : Pray for those who do not have

enough to eat today and every other day.

Pray for those in your life who you know are

struggling with temptation.

ACTION : Read this week’s Scripture two or

three more times. What stands out to you that

might not have the first time you read it? Do

the words now hold a different meaning for

you? Consider this exercise of re-reading the

Scriptures for the remainder of Lent, and even

in your own non-Lenten reading of Scripture.

What do you think it means that God came to save

the world?

Do you believe Jesus came to save you?

In John 3:19-21, Jesus says that some people love

darkness rather than light. Why do you think that is?

What “darkness” do you experience in your life? What

things are difficult, and/or what things would you

rather not anyone know about?

ACTION : Make a list of new ways you can

bring light into the darkness you experience

in your life. Choose and act on one per week

for the remainder of Lent. Perhaps those are

habits you can form during Lent that would

bring light into your life as you leave the

Lenten season.

ACTION: Do or say something nice to

someone you find yourself condemning.

What things do you do “in the light” that you think are

pleasing to God?

John 3:17 says that God did not come to condemn

the world. How often do you find yourself condemning

others, rather than loving them?

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Sunday, March 30 – Saturday, April 5


WORD: Blind

FACT: Methodism’s founder John Wesley wasn’t content to limit fasting only to Lent. He fasted twice a week, on Wednesday and Friday.

Sunday, March 23 - Saturday, March 29

In John 4:5-15, Jesus asked a woman for some

water. Have you ever thought Jesus might want

something from you? What might Jesus want from you

or your family?


WORD: Thirst

FACT: In the early church, Lent was a time to prepare new converts for baptism. The time was interpreted as a time of testing, trial, and probation that ended in renewal and restoration. Today, Christians focus on their relationship with God during Lent, often choosing to give up something, volunteer, and give of themselves for others.

ACTION: Join us on Saturday, March 29

from 1:30 to 3:00 pm as we spend time and

play Bingo with the residents of Dickinson

Place, an affordable housing complex for

senior citizens. Contact Hillary Barnard at [email protected] to sign up.

It wasn’t common or desirable in Jesus’ time for Jews

to associate with non-Jews (ex: Samaritans). What

do you think it means that Jesus spent time with a

Samaritan woman?

Does it comfort you at all knowing Jesus wants

to spend time with you, even though you might be

rejected by others?

Who do you think God could be calling you to spend

time with?

Jesus as the Living Water came to quench our thirst

and satisfy our desires. Are you thirsty for Jesus?

How can you offer the Living Water to those who are

around you?

ACTION : Approach someone you might

not otherwise and offer them a kind word

or gesture.

ACTION : Help our Altar Guilds prepare

communion one Sunday in any of our worship

services. It is a way to offer that which will

be spiritual nourishment for all who receive it.

Contact Kay Porter at [email protected] to sign up. (See p. 26 to learn more about our

Altar Guilds.)

ACTION : Find a way to spend time with

others you might not normally be around. For

example, join the knitting group and make

prayer blankets for those in the hospital,

volunteer to deliver flowers to homebound

members, or get connected to our Special

Needs Ministry. Go online to hpumc.org/serve to see additional opportunities to serve within the church.

Can you imagine being blind? What would it be like?

In what ways has God’s glory been revealed to you

through your suffering and hard times?

What do you think suffering has to do with sin? Are the

two always related?

In John 9:1-7, Jesus literally gets his hands dirty in the

mud and his own spit in order to heal a man. What

keeps you from getting your hands dirty in service

to God?

What is challenging about this week’s Scripture? What

hope do you think the verses give?

In this week’s Scripture, the pool that the man washes

in is called Siloam, which means “sent.” Do you think

Jesus was sending this man just like he himself was

sent to do the works of God? Do you think Jesus is

sending you?

ACTION : At 6:30 pm on Wednesday, April

16, adults from the congregation will sort and

test the eyeglasses collected and prepare

them to be sent to Haiti on the next mission

trip. Contact Hillary Barnard at [email protected] to sign up.

ACTION: Pray for the HPUMC Mission Team

leaving for Costa Rica today. They are being

sent to share God’s glory with the people of

Costa Rica and the children living at the

Methodist Children’s Home.

ACTION: Donate to the Glasses

Drive (eyeglasses, reading glasses, and

sunglasses) to benefit the Haiti Eye Clinic.

Bring new or used glasses to the bins

located around the church during the

week or on Sunday.

12 13



In John 11:38, we read that Jesus was greatly

disturbed. Do you ever think of things bothering or

hurting Jesus?

What do you think greatly disturbs (John 11: 38)

Jesus today?


WORD: Life

FACT: Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word “lencten,” which means spring or lengthen, referring to the longer days of the season. The Latin word for Lent, “quadragesima,” means “40 Days” or “the 40th Day.”

ACTION: At 1:00 pm on Sunday, April 6,

families with children of all ages will stuff

Easter eggs for the Wilkinson Center’s

annual Easter party with the children in their

after-school program. They need thousands

of eggs, so we need lots of helping hands!

For more info and to register: hpumc.org/lent.

In what ways do you see or experience death, darkness,

and/or stinkiness in your life or the world around you?

In this week’s Scripture, Jesus thanks God for hearing

him. Do you ever think God doesn’t hear you when

you pray?

The same Spirit that raised Lazarus from the dead

lives in you today. How does that empower you?

In John 11:38-45, people came to believe in God’s

power because of what Jesus did. If people saw what

you did, would they believe in Jesus?

ACTION : Write a letter of thanks to someone

in your family for the ways he/she brings you

light and life.

ACTION : The second home at the Methodist

Children’s Home in Costa Rica is being

dedicated today. Lift up a prayer asking for

God’s blessings on the children—blessings of

love, safety, and hope.

ACTION : Look at the schedule for Holy Week

worship services (p. 17). Invite a friend who

does not regularly attend church, or someone

who has not attended in a long time.

Sunday, April 6 – Saturday, April 12

• H O L Y W E E K •

Sunday, April 13 – Thursday, April 17

John 12:12-13

Jesus and his disciples prepared to celebrate the

Passover festival in Jerusalem.

The crowd cried out with joy and gladness in the name

of the Lord, and a week later was silent in the face of

his persecution. How often do we serve in the name of

the Lord because we feel like we should in order to be

blessed? How often do we celebrate Jesus when it’s

easy, but become silent when it’s hard?

Matthew 25:31-46

According to this Scripture, who is Jesus? What does

he seem to value?

Matthew 21:12-13

Jesus is clearly angry in this passage. What made him

angry? What do you think makes Jesus angry today?

John 13:3-5, 12-15

What kind of example has Jesus set in your life? How

will you follow him?

Luke 22:19-20

Giving yourself is the greatest sacrifice. What will you

sacrifice for God and the people in your life?

ACTION : Wake up 15 minutes earlier than

you normally do and use that time to bring

glory to God. Ask God to give you the strength

to be disciplined to praise him when it’s hard.

Examples of ways to use that 15 minutes to

praise God: prayer or meditation; reading your

Bible; writing kind notes to friends and loved

ones; cleaning out a drawer in your house of

things you can donate to those in need.

ACTION: Write a list of your values and

priorities in the order of importance to you,

being as truthful and honest as you can.

Rewrite that list in the order God would want

you to.

ACTION: Jesus served those he led. In

what areas of your life are you a leader? Make

an effort to find ways you can serve those

you lead.

ACTION: Attend a Maundy Thursday

Service and receive Holy Communion (p. 17). Think about what you can sacrifice or

give up as you leave the Lenten Season that

would bless the lives of others. For example:

give up one or more coffee shop beverages a

week and give the money to a charity of your

choice; give up one Saturday or Sunday of golf

a month and spend that time with your family;

or give up obsessing about grades, weight,

and imperfections and direct that energy

toward making those around you to feel

beautiful and special.

ACTION: Think about the injustices in the

world that truly anger you. Come up with ways

you can do something about it and create an

action plan.

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Matthew 27:57-61

Joseph of Arimathea gave up his own tomb in order

for Jesus to have a place to be buried. What were you

intending to use for yourself that instead you can use

for Jesus?

Matthew 28:1-10; 16-20

How do you relate to the words, “Come and see” and

then “Go and tell”? How will you tell the world the

good news of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection?

John 19:16-18

“Then [Pilate] handed [Jesus] over to them to be

crucified. So they took Jesus; and carrying the cross by

himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the

Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they

crucified him, and with him two others, one on either

side, with Jesus between them.”

What do you think it felt like for Jesus’ followers

after he was crucified? What would your life be like

without Christ?

Friday, April 18 – Sunday, April 20

ACTION: Attend an Easter Sunday Service

(p. 17). Take a moment to consider the

sacrifice that Christ made for us and how you

are planning to celebrate that gift.

ACTION: Attend a Good Friday service, or

visit the Stations of the Cross in Cox Chapel

(p. 17). If you are not able, spend time

contemplating the crucifixion and its meaning

in your life.

ACTION: Attend the Easter Vigil worship

service (p. 17), hear the story of God’s saving

acts, renew your baptism and receive Holy

Communion. And however you answered the

question about what you can give up and use

for Jesus, make a plan. For example: give up

a personal vacation and go on a mission trip

(hpumc.org/mission-trips); instead of birthday

gifts, have friends donate items for a charity

of your choice; or spend one Sunday a month

teaching a children’s Sunday Morning Class

(contact Stephanie Logan at [email protected] to sign up).

• H O L Y W E E K •

H O LY W E E K April 13- April 19, 2014

S T A T I O N S O F T H E C R O S S

A Self-Guided Experience

Wednesday, March 5 - Friday April 18

See hpumc.org/lent for times, Cox Chapel

PA L M S U N D AY, A P R I L 13

Regular Sunday Services

Children’s Palm Sunday Services

9:30 & 11:00 am, Garden

W E D N E S D AY, A P R I L 16 Stations of the Cross: Viewing & Personal Reflection

6:00 – 7:00 pm, Cox Chapel

M A U N D Y T H U R S D AY, A P R I L 17

11:00 am, Cox Chapel

7:00 pm, Sanctuary

5:00 – 8:00 pm (come & go), Munger Place Church*

Stations of the Cross, Viewing & Personal Reflection

G O O D F R I D AY, A P R I L 1 8

Noon & 7:00 pm, Sanctuary

7:30 pm, Munger Place Church*

H O LY S A T U R D AY, A P R I L 19

9:00 pm, Cox Chapel, Easter Vigil

E A S T E R SUNDAY April 20, 2014

S U N R I S E S E R V I C E

Contemporary Worship

6:45 am, Arden Forest

led by Rev. Paul Rasmussen

S A N C T UA R Y

Traditional Worship

8:00 & 9:00 am, led by Rev. Paul Rasmussen

10:00 & 11:00 am, led by Dr. John Fiedler

C O X C H A P E L

Communion & Liturgy

9:00, 10:00 & 11:00 am

led by Rev. Jeff Hall

C O R N E R S T O N E


9:00, 10:00 & 11:00 am, Wesley Hall

led by Rev. Paul Rasmussen

M U N G E R P L A C E C H U R C H *


8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 am

led by Rev. Andrew Forrest

*Our Munger Place campus is located at 5200 Bryan Street.

100% of the Easter Offering will go to HPUMC Outreach • hpumc.org/easter

WORD: Praise

FACT: Easter is often referred to as a “moveable feast” because it doesn’t fall on the same day every year. The First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. established that Easter should occur on the first Sunday after the full moon that follows the vernal equinox. This allowed Easter to be in biblical proximity to the Jewish Passover.

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The Tower | SPRING 2014


Picture 10,000 items of clothing, or books, or home décor items. Picture 10,000 small

appliances, accessories, or toys. That is how many donated items pass through the Donation Drop at HPUMC each month.

HPUMC partners with 30 local ministries and organizations, each one with very specific needs. These organizations serve men, women, and children who are in need of food, clothing, shelter, education or medical care. The items donated to the Donation Drop are treasures no longer useful to our congregation but worth their weight in gold to the organizations that HPUMC partners with and those they serve.

In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Luke 3:11

We all have been blessed by the Lord in our own ways. We all have items in our homes we can give to bless others, and it can be as simple as clearing out a drawer or hall closet. But the blessing of the Donation Drop

does not stop at dropping items in the collection bin. We need volunteers to make sure that each item gets to those most in need. We need your help.

Donation Drop volunteers make their own schedules and give as much or as little time as they are able. Volunteers learn about the different organizations in our community, those they serve, and what is needed to continue that service. Volunteers are also needed to make deliveries to the organizations, which is a great way to see the organizations in action.

The Donation Drop’s current need is gently worn business casual clothing for men and women, or “church clothes” as many of us call them. Each summer, hundreds of pastors of small, remote churches descend upon Perkins School of Theology at SMU to take courses to become licensed local pastors. Many of these pastors serve churches in low-income neighborhoods or towns and receive very little, if any, compensation. They are so grateful to receive the clothing our congregation provides, and we are thrilled to be able to help them and their ministry in this way.

Stacy Beshear of Dickinson Place loaded up her van with donations for the residents of this facility that was named in honor of Rev. William H. “Bill” Dickinson, former senior minister of HPUMC.

• B Y J E N N I F E R T A N K E R S L E Y •

JENNIFER TANKERSLEY, director of Community Outreach, has been on staff for nine years. She has attended HPUMC since birth. Her favorite way to serve in and through the church is to deliver donations to HPUMC’s Local Outreach Partners.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING IN THE DONATION DROP, CONTACT:Hillary Barnard, Outreach Ministry [email protected], 214.523.2168hpumc.org/outreach

Kay Peters, Ann McCoy & Debbie Boon regularly volunteer in the Donation Drop. They sort through the donated items and get them ready for weekly pickups from the local outreach partners.

Collection bins are located outside Room 377,

and on Wednesdays a collection bin is available

under the Wallace Building’s porte cochere

from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The HPUMC Donation Drop:Volunteer Your Time & Donate Treasures

• B Y A N D I F A N C H E R •

Family Ministries Volunteer Spotlight: Todd & Emily Massey

ANDI FANCHER, director of D6 Families, and her husband, Dan, have three children: Peyton (7), Stone (5), and Graham (4). Andi and Dan began serving at HPUMC through the Children’s Ministry in their daughter’s Sunday school class. Andi loves watching the children learn and grow in their faith at HPUMC.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:Stephanie Logan, D6 Families Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] , hpumc.org/D6families

Emily and Todd Massey became members of HPUMC in 1998 after moving to Dallas. In an

effort to help make this big church feel small, they began to search for ways to get more involved and connected. Emily’s first experience with serving in the church was with Night OWLS (Out with Loving Sitters), a program for families with special needs children. Emily assisted with the planning for this brand new ministry and soon began to serve on a monthly basis.

It wasn’t long before they welcomed their first daughter, Sarah Kate, into the world and began serving in Children’s Ministry when she was two years old. While teaching a classroom full of two year olds was not working in his particular giftedness, Todd recalls that time fondly as an opportunity to show his daughter in action and deed that the church was an important part of their family. “Some of our lifelong friends have come from teaching Sunday school and serving in Family Ministries,” said Emily of the added bonus of serving alongside other families.

Since those early days of teaching that first class, Emily and Todd have served in a variety of ways as their family continued to grow. Whether as teachers, ministry leaders, elementary hosts, and even Palm Sunday actors, there has been no shortage of opportunities for this committed couple to share their love of Jesus with the children and families of HPUMC. Emily and Todd currently have a son, Jack, in D6, a daughter, Caroline, in Confirmation, and a daughter, Sarah Kate, in the Youth program and continue to make serving a priority.

Some of their favorite moments serving in Family Ministries have been in the simple ones of engaging and being fully present with the kids. “One of the most important things for us is developing that relationship with a child week after week, month after month, and over time seeing how they grow,” said Todd. “Seeing those kids now in Confirmation and the Youth program and still having a connection with them is really rewarding.”

HPUMC Family Ministries simply could not be effective without our incredible team of committed volunteers like Emily and Todd Massey. We offer so many different ways to serve, and we would love to have you join our team!

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Todd and Emily Massey have made serving at HPUMC a priority. They are shown here with their children, Jack, Caroline & Sarah Kate.


You might not know that while HPUMC offers Five Ways to Worship on Sunday mornings, we also

provide 27 Sunday Morning Classes for adults of all ages. HPUMC’s Sunday Morning Classes are committed to Christian education, community, outreach/service, and generosity. The fearless leaders of these four values are none other than regular church members, just like you.

Here’s a glimpse into what it means to serve HPUMC by leading a Sunday Morning Class.

You don’t know what you’re getting into: Class leaders all get into their roles differently, and none of them know quite what to expect. Mike and Kathryn Selby were asked to serve as program chairs for their class of married couples, Commitments. “Our first response was, ‘Wow… that sounds really challenging!’” they said. “After prayerful consideration, however, we decided it was time for us to get involved.” Heather and Kyle Clift, co-presidents of one of our newest classes, Now and Forever, evolved as natural leaders after completing HPUMC’s newlywed class, With This Ring. “Originally it was a bit overwhelming,” the Clifts said. “We didn’t know where to start! Through some trial and error, brainstorming sessions with class members, and a lot of setting everything up with staff members Lauri Lueder and Phil Dieke, we seem to have found our groove!”

ERIN WILLIAMS has been on staff at HPUMC since Nov. 2012. She enjoys having coffee with friends, cooking, working out, and traveling. One of Erin’s favorite ways to serve at HPUMC is by writing a weekly e-devotional to congregants every Thursday. To subscribe, email [email protected].

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES OR HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN LEADERSHIP: Lauri Lueder, Director of [email protected], 214.523.2246hpumc.org/grouplife/sunday-morning-classes

You see the value of what you’re doing: “Programming is a critical part of Sunday Morning Classes,” the Selbys said. “Members come not only for the social connection, but for the curriculum as well.” Elizabeth Dacus is the missions coordinator for Impact, a class for single young adults. Elizabeth has always been passionate about serving others and believes coordinating mission projects for her peers allows her to use God-given gifts. “The value of what I do is two-fold. One, I hope the work we do with Community Partners of Dallas, the North Texas Food Bank, New Friends New Life and others is truly helping the people we serve. Two, the education component is so important to the members of our class. There is a lot of need in Dallas, and it’s hard to know about it all. I hope we are informing our class and our church of the big needs in our community.”

You enjoy your ministry: Peggy and Mack Mims are founding members of the Roundtable Sunday Morning Class, which was established in 1953. They have been class presidents and held other offices several times throughout the years. “We are so fortunate to be a part of this church,” said Peggy. “We have served everywhere we’ve been asked to serve, and we intend to continue to serve where needed. Being part of Roundtable has been an amazing journey.”

You believe others can (and should!) do it, too: Without a doubt, current Sunday Morning Class leaders believe anyone can lead in a position God calls him or her to. “Being an officer has definitely strengthened our bond, not only with other class members, but the church as a whole,” the Clifts said. “A leadership position holds you accountable, but it also opens up doors to really immerse yourself in the HPUMC community.”

“I always encourage people to get more involved,” Elizabeth said. “The church isn’t a building where you show up on Sunday—it’s a community of people. You can take our mission to become deeply devoted followers of Jesus Christ and help build our church, our community. You don’t need to have grown up in church or have every verse of the Bible memorized. You just need to be committed.”

Adult Sunday Morning Classes: A Glimpse into Serving as a Lay Leader

• B Y E R I N W I L L I A M S •

What is the approach you use in teaching?

I don’t think of it as teaching as much as it is facilitating and providing material that gets people thinking. While I focus on a theme or book of the Bible, I try to keep it interesting by incorporating personal stories, jokes and other people’s ideas so that no one gets bored. I learned that from Rev. Mark Craig, who always had “hooks” or sermon illustrations that kept people’s attention while he focused on an idea or theme.

What do you enjoy about teaching?

Interaction with different classes and individuals who are at different stages in their faith journey is very enjoyable, challenging and inspirational.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse that is a staple in your life or that you draw inspiration from?

It changes, as I think it does for many individuals, depending on what is going on in life. You can’t beat Philippians 4: 4-7 for a quick boost: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

For the past 29 years, Doug Smith has enjoyed serving the church by teaching adult Sunday Morning Classes. He taught at another UMC before he and his wife, Vicki, started attending HPUMC 15 years ago. Doug, a retired CPA, shares his insights about teaching:

Mack & Peggy Mims and their classmates celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Roundtable Sunday Morning Class in November 2013.

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Members of the Now and Forever class created toiletry kits for a mission project.

Members of Commitments share fellowship before class begins.


You’ll never guess who leads the 11:00 am Art Hour for Munger’s D6 Ministry. Rachel Lord works

at a local chemical distribution company and wears steel-toed boots and a hardhat every weekday. How’d she make her way over to Munger Place Church? Kate Miner and some really good artwork.

“I showed Kate some paintings I wanted to enter into an art contest,” said Rachel. “And she told me, ‘You should work with kids! You should do VBS.’ So I did. I was really nervous.”

Rachel’s first VBS was in 2011, and shortly after that she began running the art portion of Munger’s Rotation Sunday School. The hour-long program offers both individual and group projects that are based on the weekly D6 theme or Bible story. Attendance has grown from 20 to 70 children.

“I’d say my inspiration is trying to show kids that you can do art based on the Bible, and it can be fun,” she said. “I find joy in the excitement a kid has when he or she creates something and wants to show it to you.”

It’s hard for Rachel to pick a favorite project they’ve worked on, but one stands out. “One time we painted the Feast of Levi, using fruits and vegetables. The room reeked because I brought an onion. It makes a really

cool design, so it’s one of the best vegetables to use. And the kids really had fun with it! We used potatoes, apples, oranges, and grapefruits, too.”

One Sunday, children threw balls covered in paint at a canvas that read “Thankful” every time they told Rachel something they thanked God for. Another time, they put out Daniel’s fiery furnace with squirt guns.

“I love it,” Rachel said. “When people hear about what we do, they just think it’s arts and crafts, but when they see it, they realize it’s a lot more than that.”

Rachel believes the key to serving in the church is finding something you’re passionate about. She can work every weekday in a hardhat as long as she can come to Munger on Sundays.

“I didn’t think I’d be this involved in a church or using art to serve, but now I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t do this. Sundays are my favorite day of the week.”

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SERVE USING YOUR GIFTS AT MUNGER PLACE? CHECK OUT THE OPPORTUNITIES AT: mungerplace.org/outreach/service-opportunities Lacy Montgomery, [email protected]

Chemical Engineer Ministers through Art at Munger Place Church

TRISSIE OSBORN & her husband, Phil, have been members of HPUMC for 30 years and were married in Cox Chapel. They credit the church for being the foundation for raising their three sons and the Grass Roots Sunday Morning Class for where many longtime friendships were formed. Trissie enjoys serving the church by mak-ing hospital visits and phone calls to church members.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CARING MINISTRY:Trissie Osborn, Coordinator of Caring [email protected], 214.523.2245

Do you enjoy making new friends and helping others? If so, you are needed in HPUMC

Caring Ministry!

Caring Ministry maintains a connection through personal interaction with our members who have served faithfully through the years but can no longer fully engage in worship or the life of the church. Some reside at their individual homes or retirement facilities, while others are hospitalized or in extended rehab. And with today’s mobile society, many do not have family nearby. Through this ministry, we share the love of Jesus and express our gratitude for the members’ years of service as well as recognize the needs they may have.

Trained laypersons maintain this connection between the church and the Caring Ministry recipients through visits, telephone calls and deliveries of gifts and flowers.

Before Easter and Christmas, volunteers deliver gifts and cards that are provided by the church to more

than 400 members. After receiving a gift, one lady wrote, “Your kindness and remembrance of me at Easter meant so much! I am deeply grateful for your thoughtfulness. With great love and joy, I remember my days volunteering at the church.”

Pat Sabin is a Keep In Touch (KIT) volunteer for Caring Ministry. She also serves as a volunteer for the Cox Chapel Altar Guild, Prayer Tower and Stephen Ministry. When asked about her dedication to serving with Caring Ministry, Pat said, “I see it all as a part of a purposeful life and our Christian mission.” As a KIT volunteer, Pat makes weekly/bi-weekly phone calls to homebound members to keep their church connection active. KIT volunteers often send encouraging notes as well.

If you love to bring an immediate smile to someone’s face, be part of the Birthday Bouquet Delivery Team! On the first and third Sunday (afternoons) and Monday (mornings) of each month, we assemble small bouquets from the altar flowers and deliver them with a birthday card to the recipients.

We welcome you to use your gifts for this growing ministry to bring smiles, love and support to others! You must be 18 to volunteer, but children are welcome to help deliver birthday flowers when accompanied by their parents.

Caring Ministry: Help Members Stay Connected to Church

• B Y T R I S S I E O S B O R N •

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Rachel Lord uses common household items to create art. She is shown here assisting a student who is painting with a plunger.

Margaret Lake helped create Easter baskets that were delivered to Caring Ministry recipients.


CHERYL VANDIVER, a registered nurse, has been on staff for 15 years. Cheryl and her husband, Roy, have been active members of the church and the First Light Sunday Morning Class since 1996. They have two children, four grandchildren, and a dog named Ellie. One way Cheryl likes to serve the church is by encouraging a ministry at HPUMC for and with those who have special needs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:Cheryl Vandiver, Director of Special Needs & Health [email protected], 214.523.2209 hpumc.org/specialneeds

Specials Needs Volunteer: Unsung Hero Serves Behind the Scenes

Sue Irish keeps volunteers moving at Night OWLS (Out With Loving Sitters), a twice a month respite

program for families of children with special needs. Sue greets the 55+ volunteers by name, powers their energy level and nourishes their soul. How does one person do all of this from behind the scenes?

Sue’s commitment to serve with Night OWLS involves requesting and scheduling dinners for volunteers, who arrive in Room 120 about 45 minutes before children are scheduled to arrive. This brief gathering time provides volunteers with dinner, fellowship, and instructions for the night’s activities. All of this takes place because Sue makes it happen.

She stays busy on the phone and email with contacting a variety of groups— like Sunday Morning Classes, United Methodist Women’s Circles, Small Groups, ushers, and friends. Her commitment enlarges the circle of support for volunteers and the children we serve. Because of Sue, more people are given opportunity to serve, and children at Night OWLS are cared for.

“I love everything about Night OWLS,” said Sue. “I get to see a little bit of what’s going on with the precious kids, make sure the hardworking volunteers get a good meal before their long evening begins, and meet those who graciously furnish the meals.”

Night OWLS provides parents with a night out, while children (up to age 13) and their siblings participate in activities at the church. The program is on the first and third Fridays of each month from 5:30 to 10:00 pm. Registered nurses are on hand to meet the medical needs of the children. No special previous experience is needed for volunteers, and training is provided. In addition to the opportunity to host dinner, volunteers may participate by helping with check-in, providing entertainment, and interacting one to one with special needs children or their siblings.

As Sue discovered, there are ways to serve besides the obvious! If you have a heart for those with special needs, or are just looking for a fulfilling way to be blessed by your effort, go online to hpumc.org/specialneeds to see our volunteer opportunities.

• B Y C H E R Y L V A N D I V E R •

Volunteers Share Gift of Music with HPUMC’s Porter Memorial Carillon

Did you know that HPUMC is home to one of only three carillons in Dallas? A carillon is a musical

instrument that has a series of at least 23 tuned bells that are manually played from a keyboard. Our Porter Memorial Carillon, located in the Tower outside the Sanctuary, has 48 bells. When you hear a music recital emanating from the Tower, it’s being played by one of four church members who serve as carillonneurs: John Acker, Mary Dibble, Carmen McMillan and Gretchen Ryan.

The Tower houses three rooms used in connection with the carillon, and the only access is up a narrow and circular metal staircase. It’s 48 steps from the Sanctuary narthex to the practice keyboard. Go up 17 more steps to reach the playing keyboard that is one floor below the belfry. All four carillonneurs agree that climbing those stairs is a challenge.

“The carillon is a percussion instrument that utilizes a delicately balanced transmission system to allow the performer great dynamic control over the entire collection of bells,” said John Acker, a carillonneur at HPUMC since 2002. “The carillonneur physically moves the clapper to strike the bell, which is bolted to a steel frame. As the bells get larger and heavier, so do the clappers—the low ‘C’ weighs approximately 75-100 pounds and that’s striking a 2.5 ton bell! The carillon is also loosely akin to the organ, in that both hands and feet are used in performance.”

“Playing the carillon is a ‘labor of love’ and a unique way I can serve the church,” said Gretchen Ryan, a carillonneur since 1994. “I feel so blessed, and this volunteer opportunity has led to friendships with other carillonneurs worldwide.”

The carillon is played daily around midday and 5:00 pm, on Sundays following the 9:30 am and 11:00 am

worship services, as well as before TowerArts concerts and for weddings and funerals.

The Porter Memorial Carillon is one of only two in North Texas that meets the requirements for a concert carillon. “It is very rare for a church to have a magnificent carillon with enough bells to be considered a true concert instrument,” said Dr. Bradley H. Welch,

director of HPUMC’s Music & Arts. “What is even more remarkable is to have an incredibly dedicated team of volunteers who lovingly provide the gift of music to the HPUMC/SMU campus. While the carillon is perhaps the ultimate ‘behind-the-scenes’ form of live musical performance, the majestic tone of hymns ringing forth over the area reminds countless hundreds of God’s presence, beauty, and love. I am enormously grateful to Gretchen, John, Mary, and Carmen, as well as HPUMC carillonneurs past and future!”

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A CARILLONNEUR? FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:Chris Brunt, Organist/Music [email protected], 214.523.225 (A keyboard background is required.)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CARILLON, INCLUDING VIDEOS, GO ONLINE TO:hpumc.org/tower

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HPUMC staff members and some spouses recently served dinner at Night OWLS. Pictured (left to right) are Jeanne Fortson, Ann Williams, Joe B. Fortson, Sue Irish, Cheryl Vandiver, and Karen Gilmore.

Melanie Lucido, activities coordinator for Night OWLS, talked to volunteers before a Friday night program.

John Acker gets ready to play midday recital on the carillon during the week.

The carillon bells, which were installed in 1984, range in weight from 26 to about 5,100 pounds.

John Acker, Gretchen Ryan, Carmen McMillan and Mary Dibble serve the church as carillonneurs.


On the first Sunday of every month, Jenny Thomas

arrives at HPUMC no later than 7:30 am and meets other church members in Room 103, the Sacristy.

This room is where Jenny, the Altar Guild chair for the 8:30 am Sanctuary service, and volunteers prepare Holy

Communion. “It’s an easy way to serve the church, and I enjoy it,” said Jenny, who has been involved as an Altar Guild volunteer for 20 years. The morning routine includes preparing baskets of cubed bread and communion trays, which each hold 40 disposable plastic cups filled with grape juice. A communion cloth for the altar table is chosen from a selection of linens donated to the church.

Sanctuary Altar Guild chairs Beverly Bower (9:30 am) and Barbara Humphries (11:00 am) repeat the Holy Communion preparation during the hour preceding their worship services.

“The 15 members of the Sanctuary Altar Guild move with grace to prepare the Lord’s Table before worship and then with speed to pick up used cups and replenish the bread and juice between services,” said Kay Porter, director of Welcoming Ministries. “They are our ‘holy pit crew!’”

By the time the church bells toll at noon, usually more than 2,000 congregants have taken Holy Communion in the Sanctuary.

Volunteers have developed a shared camaraderie and help each other when needed. “Serving on the Altar Guild is a great way to have fellowship with other church members,” said Barbara, a 10-year Altar Guild volunteer. “Someone from another church mentioned having an apparatus that would fill an entire tray of

cups with the push of one button. When asked why we didn’t get one, I said that would cut into our fellowship time.”

Each United Methodist Church determines how often to serve Holy Communion, which varies among the worship venues at HPUMC: weekly in Cox Chapel and Munger Place Church, monthly in the Sanctuary and Kerygma, and quarterly in Cornerstone.

For the past four years, Bill Oberthier and George Hendrix have led the Altar Guild for Cox Chapel’s 11:00 am worship service.

Bill agrees that volunteering with the Altar Guild is an honor. “It’s also an easy and enjoyable way to learn and serve,” said Bill.

Rev. Jeff Hall, minister to the Cox Chapel community, is grateful for the work of the Altar Guild. “In caring for vessels and paraments, they do the holy work of preparing the worship space for us to encounter God, whose presence is pointed to by pulpit, font, and table. Their care and dedication to the ministry shows forth each member’s faith, joy, praise, and reverence.”

Altar Guild Volunteers Serve Important Role with Worship

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO VOLUNTEER WITH AN ALTAR GUILD, CONTACT:Kay Porter, Director of Welcoming [email protected], 214.523.2227(The Altar Guilds also prepare Holy Communion for special worship services.)

“Setting the Lord’s Table is a very emotional

experience,” said George. “I have great

reverence and respect for preparing the

elements for Holy Communion.”

Project Center Volunteers Assist the Church in a Variety of Ways

• B Y S U S A N D R A K E R O G E R S •

“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” 1 Peter 4:10, NRSV

Our Project Center lives by the words of the adapted Volunteer’s Prayer because we all love to do a

variety of work for the different departments within the church. I am so blessed to serve as the coordinator of the Center and love working with our dedicated volunteers, some of whom have been with us for more than 10 years. Longtime regular volunteers include Mark Gordon, Dessie and Nelson Berry, Will Campbell, Quinn Hunter, and John Watson.

The Project Center stays busy throughout the year. Some of our projects have included stuffing thousands of statements for the church’s business office, folding thousands of t-shirts for multiple departments, creating hundreds of nametags and booklets for the Confirmation Class, rolling hundreds of Christmas blankets for homebound congregants, assembling countless Children’s folders for Sunday morning worship, putting together scores of flashlights for Night OWLS, and completing countless holiday tasks. In addition, some of the volunteers enjoy other regular pet projects. Every Monday morning Dessie, John and Nelson pull the attendance forms from the Sunday

worship services. Will has a green thumb and loves tending to the plants around the church.

The Project Center serves many purposes. Not only do we help the church with getting busy work completed on time, but the Center gives volunteers somewhere that they are needed and provides a place for fellowship where friends bond while serving within the church. We offer coffee and treats, and many of the church staff drop by to visit. New volunteers are welcome at any time!

SUSAN DRAKE ROGERS. In addition to heading up the Project Center, Susan also coordinates the acolytes and ushers on Sunday morning and serves as the staff liaison for UMW. She has attended HPUMC for 69 years. Susan and her husband, Michael, have two sons and three grandsons. She loves serving at the church anyway that she is asked.

FOR QUESTIONS OR TO VOLUNTEER, CONTACT:Susan Drake Rogers, Welcoming Ministry [email protected], 214.523.0622(The Project Center, which is located in Room 384, is open Monday and Thursday from 8:00 am to noon.)

A Volunteer’s Prayer: I thank

thee Lord as a volunteer for

the chance to serve another

year, and to give of myself in

some small way to those in

this great church. A smile to

show our love, with energy

aplenty—the task to do.

And all I ask dear Lord, if I

may, is to serve you better

day by day.

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Bill Obertheir and George Hendrix prepare Holy Communion each week for the 11:00 am Cox Chapel service.

Barbara Humphries, Beverly Bower and Jenny Thomas serve as co-chairs of the Sanctuary Altar Guild.

Volunteers handled thousands of paper bags for a D6 Families project.


FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: p. 17 or hpumc.org/easter

3300 Mockingbird Lane | Dallas, TX 75205 | hpumc.org | 214.521.3111HIGHLAND PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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Spiritual

The Tower (March 2014)