Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015

Please silence all devices, and refrain from consuming food or beverages during worship.

Celebrate Easter at one of our Six Services:

*Former MDPC Senior Pastor Dave Peterson returns to preach the Easter message at three of the morning services,

and he will participate in the Family Service.

Worship*7:15, 8:30, 11:15 AM

Family service10:00 AM

spanish service11:15 AM

FiFth service5:00 PM

• seniors.mdpc.org

• concerts.mdpc.org• singles.mdpc.org

• men.mdpc.org• spokenword.mdpc.org

Isaiah 35:3-10The Unmistakable Messiah

Brandon Gaide Preaching

W H E B R E WS 4 : 1 2

In the beginning was the Word, and the

Word was with God...

MDPC once again will celebrate Holy

Week by reading the Bible aloud continuously from cover to cover. Come to read. Come to listen.

Monday, March 30-Thursday, April 2 | ChapelSpots still are available! Visit spokenword.mdpc.org.

ROAR Into Reading!You’ll find great books to buy for your kids and/or to

donate to The Little School or The Yellow School. Lots of chances for great door prizes, too! Also, please join us for Family Night

at The Yellow School on April 7. We will have fun activities for the kids and dinner in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome!

Book Fair: April 7-9Begins 9:00 AM daily | Room 119-120

The Venturers at mDpc present

Monday, April 13Social Hour 6:00-7:00 PMDinner & Program 7:00 PMLocation Westchase Hilton

All are Welcome!RSVP deadline is

Wednesday, April 8.Pick up a flier

for details.

Envisioning the Workforce of the Futurewith Mayerland Harris, Vice-President of Human Resources at H-E-B

• parenting.mdpc.org

MDPC NextGen & Singles: An Afternoon of Art & CultureOn Saturday, April 11, spend an afternoon celebrating the gifts of music, art, food, and wine!

2:30 PM Musical Arts: Orchestra Concert at MDPC

3:30 PM Visual Arts: Art Show Preview & Reception

4:45 PM Culinary Arts: We’ll discuss “God & the Arts” at Sonoma Wine Bar & Restaurant.

Details on tickets and more at singles.mdpc.org.Contact Sarah Stone with questions: sstone@mdpc.org, 832-605-8129 (text or call)

Palm Sunday OfferingToday MDPC continues its tradition of collecting a special offering to benefit our ministry partner, Living Water International (LWI). LWI is an international Christian organization serving the world’s poorest communities by helping them acquire safe, clean water, and experience “living water”—the gospel of Jesus Christ—which alone satisfies the deepest thirst.Today in All ServicesOffering envelopes are located in the pews.

Tomorro

w

Coordinating Team Mauricio Chacón | Associate Pastor for FuenteBrandon Gaide | Associate Pastor for Next GenGinny Glass | Communications & Media Dir.Meliza Gómez | Contemporary Music Dir.Luke Gordon | Youth Ministries Dir.Charles Hausmann | Traditional Music Dir.Kristin Huffman | Associate Pastor for OutreachBrett Hurst | Relationships MinisterGena Kooken | Sr. Leadership Ministry Coor.Rick Myers | Associate Pastor for CaringRachel Poysky | Children’s Ministries Dir.Becky Riggs | Business AdministratorDave Steane | Executive Pastor & Head of StaffKathryn White | Coordinating Music Dir.Karen Winship | Human Resources Dir.

Dave Peterson | Pastor Emeritus Gary Bowker | Pastor Emeritus

MDPC FoundationFor information, contact Business Administrator Becky Riggs at briggs@mdpc.org or 713-953-2570.

11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710Loving God. Proclaiming Christ. Living Generously. Engaging All.

mDpc Worship mDpc infomDpc highlights

Ministry PartnersPray for these MDPC partners working to make a difference in the lives of others:

ChildBuilders promotes healthy social and emotional development of children in pre-school through high school. Its services and prevention programs build strong families and protect children from being victimized.childbuilders.org

Children’s Activity Center reaches Hous-ton’s at-risk children with a mobile interac-tive worship program that brings the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Houston’s most impover-ished areas. Its volunteers begin to identify needs of the kids’ families through weekly home visits. sgnh.org

African Enterprise (AE) shares the love of Jesus with every age and socioeconomic group so all will know the hope Christ offers. It addresses often overlooked community crises, such as AIDS, infant mortality, street children, and polluted water, and gives prostitutes and single mothers vocational direction by teaching them to sew. MDPC partners with AE in an HIV and immuniza-tion initiative in Kampala, Uganda.africanenterprise.org

Discover MDPCWant to know more about MDPC? Attend this brief informational meeting to find out more about who we are and how we operate, both in our community and around the world.Today at 10:45-11:15 AM | Gathering RoomContact Diann Turet with questions: dturet@mdpc.org or 713-490-9553

New Member ClassesMDPC’s New Member Class series is taught by the associate pastors and elders. The series includes a Saturday service project at one of our local mission partners.Sundays, April 12-May 17 | Room 171-172 | 11:00 AM-12:15 PMContact Diann Turet with questions: dturet@mdpc.org or 713-490-9553

Ushers NeededCelebrate our Risen Lord through service. Please consider ushering at the Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, or Easter Sunday worship services.Details and registration: usher.mdpc.org

The First FiveThese monthly parenting talks focus on the first five years of a child’s life. Open to all.Wednesday, April 8 | 6:30 PM | Parlor

Calling All Adoptive and Foster Care Parents!The Empowered to Connect Conference is coming to MDPC via simulcast. Lunch will be served. For more info on the simulcast: showhope.org/be-hope/equipping-families/etc/Friday-Saturday, April 10-11 | 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Room 122 | No cost!Contact Ann Rome to register for the simulcast: mdpcsafehaven@gmail.com Please consider volunteering to help watch children during the simulcast. You’ll just fill out a form ahead of time for a background check. Contact Sandy to volunteer: mdpcsafehaven@gmail.com

Lunch & Learn: Caregiving for Others and for OurselvesCome hear speaker John Burke, Executive Director of Interfaith Care Partners. We’ll also hear from Second Family Ministry, which provides compassionate care to MDPC members.Sunday, April 12 | 12:30 PM | Summit RoomContact Bitsy Cleveland to make your reservation: bcleveland@mdpc.org or 713-490-9542

The Power of Storytelling: Stories from the Bible, and Your OwnCome hear stories from the Bible told by Sarah Stone in a fresh, lively way, then work on/tell your own story! We’ll walk through the art of storytelling (what makes a good story?) and then give you an opportunity to share one of yours, if you want.Wednesdays, April 15-29 | 6:30-8:00 PM | Summit Room | Free childcare!More info and registration: storytelling.mdpc.org

Mo-Ranch Is Almost FullRooms are available at Pheasant Run and Flato Wynne. Don’t miss out on all the fun: worshipping, minnow catching, sunbathing, stargazing, and more!Memorial Day Weekend at Mo-Ranch: Friday-Monday, May 22-25Registration closes April 1: mo.mdpc.org

The Mingling of Souls - A Matt Chandler EventPopular author and pastor Matt Chandler visits First Baptist on the live tour of The Mingling of Souls, his new book looking at God’s design for love, marriage, sex, and redemption. Chandler helps both singles and married couples navigate these issues, revealing the process Solomon himself followed: attraction, courtship, marriage...even arguing.Friday, April 17 | 7:00-10:00 PM | First Baptist Church (7401 Katy Freeway)$20 ($25 after March 26). Registration: houstonsfirst.orgContact Amanda Grace Caldwell with questions: acaldwell@mdpc.org or 713-490-0931

4th & 5th Grade Pizza PartyCome eat pizza and play games with your friends! Friday, April 17 | 6:00-8:30 PM | The Galaxy (upstairs in the Ministry Center)Contact Mallory Moore with questions: mmoore@mdpc.org or 713-490-9262

In 2015, we celebrate 60 years of faith and ministry at MDPC.

MDPC members riding the shuttle, circa 2000.

Do you have classic MDPC photos? We’d love to share them! Email to Eva Kaminski (ekaminski@mdpc.org) or drop them at the Front Office.

W EEK LY FI NA NCIA L U PDATEOperating Income 2015 Budget $ 10,500,000Expected Income to date $ 2,029,453Actual Income to Date $ 1,745,576Current Income Deficit $ 283,877

*Please stand if able. CCLI # 182374

Please Pray...For the Senior Pastor Nominating CommitteePlease pray for the committee, for our congregation, and for the new pastor that God is calling to our church. Visit pnc.mdpc.org for updates.

For What Lies AheadAs we reflect on our denominational alignment, please pray for peace in the hearts of your fellow MDPC family members, and sage discernment for our leadership. Visit denom-issues.mdpc.org for information.

Join Us for Holy Week ServicesMaundy Thursday, April 2 | 7:00 PM, Chapel

A Living Lord’s Supper

Good Friday, April 3 | Noon, Sanctuary Rick Myers Preaching

Good Friday, April 3 (Spanish) | 7:00 PM, Chapel Mauricio Chacón Preaching

8:30 Blended service

9:45 contemporary service

11:15 traditional service

*SONGS OF PRAISE

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION Luke Gordon

YOUTH TESTIMONY Matthew Adair

WELCOME Dave Steane

GIFTS OF GRATITUDE

MESSAGE The Unmistakable Messiah Brandon Gaide

PRELUDE Jesus, Jesus, O What a Wonderful King arr. K. White

WELCOME Dave Steane

CALL TO WORSHIP

*CHORAL INTROIT Hosanna! Blessed Is He That Comes Christian Gregor (1723-1801)

*HYMN OF PRAISE All Glory, Laud, and Honor #88; Vs. 1, 2, 4 | Valet Will Ich Dir Geben

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE OF PARDON Dave Steane

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed

ANTHEM The Palms Jean-Baptiste Faure (1830-1914) Lisa Borik, soloist

YOUTH TESTIMONY Blake Moore

OFFERTORY When I Survey the Wondrous Cross arr. Gilbert Martin (b. 1941)

MESSAGE The Unmistakable Messiah Brandon Gaide

HYMN OF RESPONSE O Day of Peace #450; Vs. 1-2 | Jerusalem

POSTLUDE Fanfare on All Glory, Laud, and Honor arr. Michael Burkhardt

WELCOME Dave Steane

*SONGS OF PRAISE He Is Exalted Twila Paris

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing arr. Gómez

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE OF PARDON Luke Gordon

YOUTH TESTIMONY Matthew Adair

GIFTS OF GRATITUDE Hosanna Brooke Ligertwood

MESSAGE The Unmistakable Messiah Brandon Gaide

Wednesdays, April 8-May 136:15-7:45 PM Amphitheater

Sessions Include:• Real-life Testimonies• Expert Teaching • Humorous Vignettes

For more info and to register: marriage.mdpc.org

This video-based series brings together respected pastors with experts on marriage and family to share wisdom with you and your spouse!

Each session includes a video viewing, followed by a Q&A led by Brett and Kellie Hurst of Home Encouragement and other MDPC couples.

11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710Loving God. Proclaiming Christ. Living Generously. Engaging All.

The classes are free and open to all!

11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Digging Deeper

Palm Sunday is the outlier of Holy Week. We know it belongs, but aren’t exactly sure how it fits in the story. If, in just a few days, we’re planning to swing from the

sadness of Good Friday to the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday, what kind of reac-tion does Palm Sunday warrant? It’s not altogether clear. One thing we do know: Palm Sunday anticipates several Very Big Events in the life of Jesus Christ.

Maybe “anticipation” is the best word with which to describe Palm Sunday. It’s peer-ing out over the diving board of the Christian story, anticipating what’s ahead but not quite ready to dive in. Isaiah 35:3-10 helps us clearly see the waters that are waiting for us below. The arrival of the Messiah, we learn, will be accompanied by justice, healing, and celebration. The Messiah will see to it that even the driest deserts and the most stubborn afflictions will be transformed. That’s how we’ll know it’s Him—the work He does is unmistakable! We can expect great things from the Messiah, and His resurrec-tion on Easter morning confirms it!

But Jesus Christ isn’t a genie that grants wishes simply because He can. The harder work of Palm Sunday is learning to what extent Christ heals now, and to what extent transformation is still forthcoming.

• When we participate in Palm Sunday, we do so with great anticipation. But we must also remember that, as we stand on Palm Sunday facing Easter Sunday, we can’t get around Good Friday. Think about (and, if you’re in a small group, discuss) the temptation to move from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday without Good Friday.

• On Palm Sunday, Jesus is welcomed by a cheering crowd, ushering Him into the great city of Jerusalem, but by the time Friday comes around, the crowd is calling for His death. Why do you think Christ got such opposing responses in such a short amount of time? Have you had a time when your affection for Christ has suddenly changed into anger towards Him?

• Verses 8-9 paint a vivid picture of a highway that is made by the Messiah, a highway that leads to Zion. It sounds glorious, even utopian. However, it’s still a road on the way to somewhere else. What does this mean about our experience with God before we arrive at Zion (i.e. eternal life with God)?

• Every Christian seems to have certain defining moments in their faith. They’re the points at which we can readily identify that Christ has created “streams in the desert,” or has done the equivalent of healing us from blindness. Sometimes it’s the story of first coming to faith in Christ. Other times it’s a momentous event that revealed something powerful and new. What is one of yours?

• This passage from Isaiah is especially rich with images. What image means the most to you, and why?

Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015

Isaiah 35:3-10, The Unmistakable MessiahBrandon Gaide Preaching