Eastminster Eagle Volume 34, Issue 6 June 2017

I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don’t have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn’t deny me when times were

rough. Revelation 3: 8 (The Message) I have opened a door…an invitation that has come from our Lord!

Door: See the face of God in the City…destination of the 2017 Youth Mission Trip. Opening Doors…the theme for this year’s Synod Youth Workshop.

I’d say God has created a wonderful connection between Scripture and this summer’s youth activities, wouldn’t you!

But, before I speak of the future, I want to offer a word of thanksgiving to God for our good and faithful youth and youth alumni! The Spirit-filled and Spirit-led Youth Service on Mother’s Day did much to “fire-up” the spirits of all in attendance. From their beautiful offerings of music to the sharing of the importance prayer has in their daily lives to the gift of leading and reading and ushering and greeting, and more…in you, young people, we saw the face of God! For you, this village known as Eastminster who has helped and is helping raise you is blessed!

I realize that the Fworld offers ALL KINDS of good and not so good summer opportunities for our youth, and I know the struggle is real for parents, and grands and great grands to keep balance in the activities and lives of the young ones entrusted to them. But, I want to make a heart-felt plea from one who has seen the powerful and positive result of creating space and time for our children to make “church” a priority on their summer calendars. I can honestly tell you that Ryan, Brandi and Jordan live in the peace of knowing that the love of the Lord is the foundation upon which their lives are built and sustained. We took responsibility as parents to provide them every opportunity to deepen their own faith, including serving others. We, and they, have been blessed by congregations who helped us make opportunities realities, and, perhaps one of the most influential faith-building in their lives…summer camps, conferences, mission trips, Synod Youth Workshop, Mo Ranch and other events where youth get to share their faith…teen to teen. It has been and continues to be life-changing for them. SO, PLEASE OFFER AND ENCOURAGE YOUR YOUTH OR YOUTH YOU KNOW TO PARTICIPATE IN AT LEAST ONE CHURCH OFFERING THIS SUMMER.

In addition to Sunday activities here at the church, here are a couple of opportunities that I hope you will give sincere thought and prayer:

Summer Mission Trip to DOOR in Denver, CO, June 17-23. Eastminster youth and adults will be joining other churches from our Presbytery: Legacy Presbyterian, Frisco; FPC, Garland; St. Barnabas, Richardson; St. Andrew, Denton and Grace First, Weatherford…all together 70 youth and adults! Here’s a snapshot of the mission of DOOR: Through DOOR’S Discover program, groups spend time in service with a variety of local agencies and ministries and learning through evening speakers and activities. The experience is about more than preparing a meal at a soup kitchen or playing with children at a day camp. It is an opportunity to work alongside local community members, to learn from local leaders, and to listen to the stories of neighbors, clients and churches. The people and stories may challenge your initial perceptions of the city. But, they reveal the ways

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that God is working. They will help you to see the face of God in the city.

Synod Youth Workshop, Tulsa, OK, July 10-15. All youth, from current 8th grade to graduating seniors, are invited to join other youth from Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas for a week of faith-building, fun, friendships and following the Spirit as they worship and serve together.

This year’s theme, Opening Doors, will be explored by our keynote speaker, Rev. Clay Brantley. For those of you who attended the service here at Eastminster led by Clay, you know the youth are in for some Spirit-filled surprises. Youth, and adults, explore and strengthen their faith through the Small Group process, through worship, through laughter and tears and through service to others. The entire conference population, roughly 300 persons, fan out across Tulsa for a day of serving. They do everything from hard labor…clearing the back yard turned jungle…to playing games with senior citizens to washing and cleaning vans that transport the disabled to reading and spending time with children. Every opportunity…important. Every person…loved. Every encounter…a story a teen takes home with them.

Confirmation Classes/Retreat, the Blair Compound, July 23 through Tuesday, July 25…with perhaps additional classes, if needed, will round out our summer. We will welcome our confirmands into full membership of the church on Rally Day, August 27. During our time together we will explore the creation stories, the fall, the life and times of Old Testament characters, the Exodus, the prophets, judges, kings, the birth, life and death of Jesus, the liturgical seasons of the Christian year, compare the resurrection stories, learn about the history, the creeds, the government of the Presbyterian Church (USA), explore the meaning and promises of baptism, communion, worship, stewardship, membership and much, much more. All while enjoying the wonderful company of our youth, grades 6 to seniors and adults, investing their time in helping with the faith-defining event. As we close confirmation, the youth will prepare their own faith statements and come before the session to share this and all they have learned.

It is a GOOD time to be youth at Eastminster Presbyterian Church!

Thanksgiving for their wisdom, their courage, their laughter, their openness and their faith!

Sherry

Coming up!

Summer

Fellowship and

Food!

Sunday, June 4 after worship: Come help celebrate Eastminster’s Birthday. The CCC is providing chicken and birthday cake. Could you bring a side dish or salad?

Sunday July 2 after worship. The choir will present a patriotic program and the CCC will provide burgers and hot dogs. Show your talents and sign-up to decorate a table. Could you bring a side dish or dessert?

Sunday, July 23 after worship at the Circle Grill. Dutch Treat Quarterly Fellowship Luncheon. Could you bring yourself?

Sunday, August 27 after worship. Rally Day Pot Luck! Bring your favorite dish to share.

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Youth News The Eastminster Youth led a wonderful Mother’s Day Service.

Ten current youth, including 2 graduating seniors, Ramses Medina and Valerie Rodriguez, and fifteen alumni youth were part of one of our best our Mother’s Day Services. Lilly Pappas, Valerie Rodriguez, Kayla Kreger, Alex Pappas, Daniel Pappas and Drew Turner shared their faith journeys with prayer and how it has helped them in their personal lives. The youth made prayer beads that were passed out during the Service and then the entire Congregation joined in as the youth lead (with motions) The Lord’s Prayer by Michael W. Smith. A special thanks to Sean Turner, Sherry Holloman and Katie Karlen for their help in making the Mother’s Day Service a success.

The youth group will have their last youth event for the summer on June 11, 2017. We will be going to Klyde Warren Park to eat from the food trucks and to enjoy Klyde Warren Park.

On June 17, the Eastminster Youth as part of the Grace Presbytery Youth Mission Trip travel to Denver, Colorado to work on several mission projects in the Denver community. They will return to the church, Friday, June 23, 2017.

Those youth going into the 9th-12th grades will be attending Synod July 10-15, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The cost of the trip is $225.00. Let Kathy know so she can register the youth.

We will have a Confirmation Class this summer from July 23-25. Youth who will be attending the class are Dylan Gailey, Mason Gonzales, Sophia and Alek Veloz. All other youth are invited to join in. We are going to invite Lilly Pappas, Jacob Wood, Jezzi and Coy Whitley to join us for the Confirmation Class. We will start at the church on Sunday, July 23, spend the night at the church and then travel to the Blair Compound to finish the class.

Seniors’ Day Out The Seniors’ Day Out group met on May 12 at the church for some spirited card games. There was a table of four playing Bridge and another table playing the card game Trash. They then went to the Highland Park Cafeteria for lunch. A good time was had by all.

The Seniors’ Day Out Schedule for the summer will be:

June 9 – meet at the church and watch the movie “Max” and then go out and enjoy lunch.

July 14 – meet at the church and then go down and ride the Trolley Car on McKinney Avenue and then eat lunch.

The Tuesday, August 15th meeting will be in conjunction with the EPW gathering to hear Rosemary Rumbley’s annual book review. The Seniors’ Day Out group is inviting Eastminster members who attend to join together after the program and enjoy a pot luck lunch.

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From the fall of 1970 to the fall of 1975, I was the Asst. Director of Music at First Pres Dallas and

from 72-75 the Director of youth as well. Part of that responsibly was to plan and prepare each week a “contemporary worship service” in the fellowship hall which took the place of the traditional 8:30am service which had been in the sanctuary. One of the problems with planning such a service back then was there was very little published “contemporary” hymns or songs. This led to all kinds of improvising, such as rationalizing and changing a few words in an advertising song known as the “coke song.” Of course, that was in centuries old tradition of hymns being written to contemporary tunes that the people knew from their secular life, especially in the growing and varied Protestant churches.

Improvising and rationalizing use of secular songs began to change in 1971 with some Christian song writers beginning to write easily sung songs that grew into what we now call the “praise song” market. One of the first songs to really catch on and help that publishing niche was “Seek Ye First” by Karen Lafferty, page 175 in our Glory To God hymnal.

Karen was born in Alamogordo, New Mexico and raised in the Baptist Church. She received a bachelor of music education from Eastern New Mexico in 1970 and received a call in 1971 from Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California, a congregation that has since grown to be one of the ten largest Protestant churches in the United States. Prior to the call, she had been performing as a nightclub entertainer and had begun witnessing to people in the bars and clubs where she performed. At Calvary Chapel, she was the worship leader and concert artist in residence.

Maranatha! Music, a music publishing company that grew out of the Calvary Chapel, began publishing contemporary writer’s hymns and songs as well as albums of the music. In the beginning, Lafferty was their biggest seller . Currently, she works with an organization she helped found, Musicians for Missions International. MFMI’s goal is to work with the local church to facilitate musicians into ministry, especially missions.”

Scriptures influence on congregational song is unmistakable. A brief reference or allusion sometimes to scripture; a hymn paraphrases a passage of Scripture; are entire sections are cited nearly verbatim. It is in this last category that “Seek Ye First” falls – it quotes directly from two passages in the Gospel of Matthew.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33, KJV).

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;

knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Matthew 7:7, KJV).

“Seek Ye First” is a devotional Scripture song at its best. My hymnology professor Carlton Young notes that the song became the standard of the “Jesus movement” of the post-Vietnam era. This song as well others from that movement over time became absorbed into the early years of contemporary Christian music. The acoustic sounds and simple harmonies make a perfect vehicle for scriptural verses that stress how we as Christians should order our priorities.

The song was first published in Praise I,

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If you wish to make a monetary

donation of any kind and cannot

physically attend Eastminster Worship,

Online Donation is available. Go to the

Eastminster website:

www.eastminsterdallas.org

and select the Online Giving Tab. If your

choice of fund is not listed, go to

Memorials and Special Gifts, choose

Special, and indicate your choice of

donation in the notes section.

Credit Card Reminder : Eastminster does offer

this option, but Eastminster is charged a

2.75% fee of the total donation.

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EPW SUMMER DINING

Saturday, June 3 from 2:00-4:00 pm Covered Dish at Pastor Sherry’s

Home

Tuesday, July 11 beginning at 6:30 pm

Smokey Rose 8602 Garland Road 469-776-5655

Tuesday, August 8 beginning at 7:00 pm Bull’s Pen Café

618 US-80 972-203-9150

(They are moving, building a new site in Mesquite, but don’t know when it will be open, so VLC will check in mid-July to see where they will be 8/8/17)

a small book of contemporary songs written from late 60s through 1971. And that’s when I first saw it and used it. The second stanza and the “Alleluia” descant were added in Songs for Celebration in 1980 . The 1980 version found its way into almost every hymnal published since 1980 and even in some high “liturgical” traditions such as the Episcopal Hymnal 1982. Ms. Lafferty sings her signature song on a “Maranatha! WOW Worship” recording that has some melody variation not found in the hymnals, plus another stanza from Matthew. This stanza along with the first two are in our Glory To God but the word ‘Man’ has been changed to ‘You.’

Man shall not live by bread alone But by every Word

That proceeds from the mouth of God Allelu, Alleluia. (Matthew 4:4)

Lafferty’s website provides a summary of the direction of her ministry for the last twenty years: In 1995 after leading the first “School of Music in Missions” in Amsterdam, Karen felt she needed to return to the US to help her elderly parents so she relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico and incorporated YWAM Santa Fe to be the new home of Musicians For Missions International. Although Karen has become very involved with local Santa Fe churches, her call to the nations remains strong. She is still a world traveling troubadour who loves to share the Love of Jesus through music.

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A VISIT FROM MISSION CO-WORKER, CATHY CHANG

Saturday, June 17 at 11:00 a.m.

Eastminster has the wonderful opportunity to host a time of sharing with our Presbytery’s Mission Co-Worker, Cathy Chang. On Saturday, June 17 in Eastminster’s Fellowship Hall at 11:00 a.m., Cathy will be presenting a program and time of discussion regarding issues such as migration and human trafficking, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Working with global partners, such as churches and non-governmental organizations, Cathy and her husband, Juan, serve as mission co-workers in Manila, Philippines where they moved in 2016 after accepting their calling to this important mission work.

While Cathy was raised in New Jersey, her family history goes back to North Korea. Several of Cathy’s family members fled North Korea to South Korea and then made their way to the United States. Juan was originally from Chile, but his father opposed the Chilean government and the family was forced to move to France for asylum. France became Juan’s new home. Cathy and Juan met in Egypt in 2002 when Cathy was a PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer and Juan was a mission volunteer with Action Chretienne en Orient.

Consider this your personal invitation to: Join us before Cathy’s visit at the Neighborhood Breakfast where a hot meal is served from 8 to 10 a.m.

Stay, visit, learn and help Cathy and Juan with your prayers as they serve the Lord in these most important human missions.

PLEASE CONTACT CHANDRA A. IN THE OFFICE BY MONDAY, JUNE 12 IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND.

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Summer Choir—

Make Notes this

Summer

Back by popular demand, the Summer Choir resumes on Sunday, July 9. You don't have to be a Caruso, Josh Groban, or Taylor Swift to be a part of this choir! But your leadership in worship during the Summer when the Sanctuary Choir takes a much needed break is important.

Summer Choir meets at 10:44 AM in the Loft to prepare a familiar Hymn, song or spiritual to help lead in the worship of God. After we sing, members who wish can return to sit downstairs with their friends, family or just by themselves. Some even invite their friends to sit with them in the Loft.

So while taking your shower, get your warm-ups started and get that voice focused.

See you in the Loft July 9 at 10:44 AM!

Save the Date! Christmas Caroling! Sunday, December 10

Details coming!

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Bible Quiz

The “Trinitarian formula” occurs only once in the

Bible. In which New Testament book do we read “in

the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy

Spirit,” and who said these words?

A. Romans; Paul

B. 1 Peter; Simon Peter

C. The Acts of the Apostles; Luke

D. Matthew; Jesus Answer: D (See Matthew 28:19.)

Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?

A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?

A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury.

Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?

A. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land.

Scripture Readings for June

1 Luke 10:25–37 2 Luke 10:38–42 3 Luke 11:14–23 4 John 14:21–29 5 Luke 17:1–10 6 Luke 17:11–19 7 Luke 17:20–37 8 Luke 18:1–8 9 Luke 18:9–14 10 Luke 18:15–30

11 John 1:1–18 12 Luke 18:31–43 13 Luke 19:1–10 14 Luke 19:11–27 15 Luke 19:28–40 16 Luke 19:41–48 17 Matt. 18:1–14 19 Luke 20:9–19 20 Luke 20:19–26 21 Luke 20:27–40

22 Luke 20:41–21:4 23 Luke 21:5–19 24 Luke 21:20–28 25 Luke 21:29–36 27 Luke 21:37–22:13 28 Luke 22:14–23 29 Luke 22:24–30 30 Luke 22:31–38

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“I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

“It is a wise father that knows his own child.” —William Shakespeare

“We realize the importance of light when we see darkness.” —Malala Yousafzai

“You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.” —Mahatma Gandhi

“It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was.” Anne Sexton

Faith is better understood as a verb than as a noun, as a process than as a possession. It is on-again-off-again rather than once-and-for-all. Faith is not being sure where you’re going, but going anyway. A journey without maps. [As theologian] Paul Tillich said … doubt isn’t the opposite of faith; it is an element of faith. —Frederick Buechner

The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. —Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel

A Hymn's Long Journey

The beloved hymn “How Great Thou Art” came together across many years and miles. In 1885, when Swedish preacher Carl Boberg wrote a poem titled “O, Great God,” he probably never dreamed he’d hear it performed years later to an old Swedish tune. Or that a Russian version would impact Stuart Hine, an English missionary to Poland, several decades later. Hine penned his own English version, resulting in the now-familiar lyrics.

From “the rolling thunder” echoing off the Carpathian Mountains, to the “woods and forest glades” of Romania, to powerful conversions to Christianity, Hine was inspired to craft each verse. Sometimes the Holy Spirit takes time to complete a work, and that journey is as important as the destination.

Strength for life’s bites

The day was fresh, and I jumped into my work with an attitude of praise. Then those bothersome mosquito bites started itching again. I rubbed lotion on them and tried to cope with the pain and distraction.

Most days are like that. We intend to honor God in all things, but irritating itches or overwhelming problems develop. Worry leads our minds away from God’s love and promises.

We can’t avoid life’s little — or big — “bites.” Yet we look to Jesus as our salve and salvation. He covers us and empowers us for each day’s tasks. As Isaiah 40:29 (NIV) says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” —MaryAnn Sundby

June (Neighborhood breakfast every Saturday (3, 10, 17, 24) Choir Practice - Wednesdays (7, 14, 21, 28))

EPW June Fellowship Dinner 4 Communion—Pews; Committee Meetings 9 Seniors’ Day Out 11 Session Meeting; Youth—Clyde Warren Park

and lunch at the Food Trucks 16-23 Youth Mission Trip to Denver 18 Father’s Day - Father’s Day Offering (PC&S:

PVNorth, PV Caring Fund, Faith Hospice) 19 Newsletter Deadline

July Neighborhood breakfast every Saturday (1, 8, 15, 22, 29 )

No Session or Committee Meetings EPW July Fellowship Dinner

2 Communion - Intinction 4 Office Closed 7-15 Pastor Sherry at Synod Youth Workshop 7/10 -

7/15 9 Pulpit Supply – Rev. Ron Holloman 17 Newsletter Deadline

August (Neighborhood breakfast every Saturday (5, 12, 19, 26)) Choir Practice Resumes - Wednesdays (23, 30) 6 Communion—Intinction; Committee Meetings 13 Pulpit Supply—Rev. Ron Holloman 15 PCHAS Book Review with Rosemary

Rumbley and Seniors’ Day Out 20 Stated Session Meeting (2018 Budget figures due

to Treasurer within 5 days); Youth Meeting 21 Newsletter Deadline 27 Rally Day; Worship Service—Confirmands

come into full church membership; Pot Luck Lunch

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Eastminster’s birth and anniversary celebration is customarily associated with Pentecost Sunday each year (June 4, 2017). While we still plan to have a celebration this year, the Stewardship Committee would like for each of us to celebrate this “church event” by giving a contribution to Eastminster on our own birthday. This way we can not only remember and celebrate our own birthday, but also the “Birth” of our own congregation.

Sharon Smith 6/4

John Randall 6/6

Lynnette Taff 6/7

Chandra Karlen 6/8

Kenneth Kraft 6/9

Daniel Pappas 6/11

Drew Turner 6/14

Hannah Hensley 6/15

David Gibbs 6/17

Heather Crabtree 6/19

Wilbur Pearce 6/21

Emily Barraza 6/27

Laura Bennett 6/27

Susan Barraza 6/29

Nina Uche 6/30

Denise Veloz 6/30

Ginny & Harvey Beatty 6/6/81

Philis & Dick Knox 6/7/69

Shirlene & Fred Watkins 6/13/64

Cheryl & Joe Gonzales 6/17/89

Stacie & Brent West 6/22/02

Charlotte & Bruce Turner 6/26/82

June

Ushers/Greeters—Team 1

Frank Karlen (Captain)

Chandra Karlen

Dick Knox

Will Nixon

Review Attendance

6-4: Chandra Anderson

6-11: Tony Bennett

6-18: Paul LaPorte

6-25: Doris LaPorte

Lay Reader

Denise Bennett

6/18 - Evelyn Parker

Communion–Pews

(June 4 )

Christine Blair Jacob Wood

Philis & Dick Knox

Pulpit Supply

6/18: Chuck Schneider

Those Who Will Serve in June

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Session Elders

Chandra Anderson

Jennifer Gailey

Cindy Garrett

Frank Karlen, Sr.

Dick Knox

Wayne Maples

Will Nixon

Tom Pappas

Evelyn Parker

Jenelle Symns

Bruce Turner

Shirlene Watkins

Jacob Wood

Church Staff

Pastor Sherry Holloman

Director of

Christian Education Kathy Kreger

Director of Music Fred P. Watkins

Organist Melody S. Davis

Administrative Assistant Chandra Anderson

Hostess/Housekeeper Minerva Hernandez

Child Care Provider Betty Crabtree

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 6550 Samuell Boulevard

Dallas, Texas 75228-7125

Phone: 214-381-4693 Fax: 214-275-8817 Email: eastminsterdallas@sbcglobal.net www.eastminsterdallas.org

They who wait upon the

Lord shall renew their

strength, they shall mount

up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be

weary, they shall walk and

not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Non-Profit Organization

Place Mailing Label Here

Special dates

• Pentecost, June 4, 2017

• Trinity Sunday, June 11, 2017

• Flag Day, June 14, 2017

• Father’s Day, June 18, 2017

• First day of summer, June 20, 2017