Coordinating TeamDan Aikins | Interim Youth Ministries Dir.Mauricio Chacón | Associate Pastor for FuenteBrandon Gaide | Associate Pastor for Next GenGinny Glass | Communications & Media Dir.Meliza Gómez | Contemporary Music Dir.Alf Halvorson | Senior Pastor Charles Hausmann | Traditional Music Dir.Kristin Huffman | Associate Pastor for OutreachBrett Hurst | Relationships MinisterChristyn Knoop | Adult Ministries Dir.Gena 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.

BLALO

CK D

RIVE MEMORIAL DRIVE

Yellow SchoolSoccer Field

Sanctuary

Ministry Center

Fellowship Hall

Community Life Center (CLC)

Chapel

Detailed maps available

Community Life Center Amphitheater

GymYouth (The Loft)

Adult Studies

SanctuaryConnection Center

Gathering Room

Ministry Center Front Office

Adult ClassroomsPreschool (Ark)

Elementary (Galaxy)Summit Room

Fellowship Hall

Chapel 8:30 AM Worship

11:15 AM Adoración5:00 PM Fifth Service

Information Centers

Memorial DrivePresbyterian Church

Sunday, January 31, 2016

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The

W EEK LY FI NA NCIA L U PDATEThe 2016 budget has been approved by Session, and will be published when it is available.Pictured: Be An Angel believes that every child is important in this world. The equipment, services, and programs it provides contribute to longer, fuller lives for children living with multiple disabilities or profound deafness.

Praises and PrayersToday’s Chancel Flowers are given in celebration of the January 23, 2016, wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Peacock.

The White Rose is given in memory ofCharley Moore, who passed away January 21, 2016.

Ministry Partners 2016This week, we ask that you please pray for these MDPC partners in ministry:Be An AngelStarted in 1986 by a parent at T.H. Rogers School, Be An Angel improves the quality of life for children living with multiple disabilities or profound deafness. It provides adaptive equipment, school programs, and specialized services. beanangel.org

The Beacon provides hot meals, showers, laundry service, and case management to over 600 clients each day. These essential services meet both the most basic and criti-cal needs of Houston under-served and homeless clients. beaconhomeless.org

MDPC Field Partners Tihomir and Christine Kukolja direct Renewing Our Minds (ROM), a reconciliation program in Croatia that brings together different faiths, ethnicities, and cultures in the Balkan region by sharing how following the teachings of Jesus transforms lives.romjourney.blogspot.com

Trip to Honduras to Visit The Micah ProjectLooking for a short mission trip to visit one of MDPC’s global mission partners? Join us for a four-day trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras to visit The Micah Project, a transformational ministry working to save young boys from the streets and raise them into Christian leaders. Trip Dates: February 19-22Contact Amy Delgado: adelgado@mdpc.org

All-Church Lunch Next SundayPlan to stay for lunch selections like salmon and grilled chicken over Greek salad.Sunday, February 7 | Served 11:00 AM-1:00 PM | Fellowship Hall

Small Group for Parents of Special Needs ChildrenGet to know other parents of children with special needs at this new Sunday morning small group. No preparation required, no stress, casual environment. Snacks provided. The group will be led by Rachel Poysky, Director of Children’s Ministries, and a special needs parent.Sundays, February 7-March 6 | 11:15 AM | Children’s Ministries SuiteFor more information, contact Keri Mosk: kmosk@mdpc.org, 713-490-9265

A Very Special Dinner and a Marriage Parents of children with special needs and foster/adoptive parents: Enjoy dinner with your spouse and learn ways to stay connected in the midst of raising your very special family.Saturday, February 27 | 5:30-7:30 PM | $15/couple (includes dinner and childcare)Register by February 20: register.mdpc.orgVolunteer servers are needed! Please consider helping at this special event.Contact Keri Mosk, Special Needs Ministry Director: kmosk@mdpc.org, 713-490-9265

Great Opps for ParentsPurely Parenting (Sunday, February 7 | 11:15 AM | Amphitheater): For any adults currently in the parenting trenches. These stand-alone discussions are opportunities for the exchange of new ideas and proven strategies. Open to all! Next Sunday, Trisha Taylor will speak on "Less-Anxious Parenting."The First Five (Second Wednesdays | 6:30 PM | Parlor): MDPC parents give these monthly talks to educate and encourage parents on ways to deal with kiddos in “the first five” years of life. On February 10, Charlotte Crawford will discuss "7 Seeds of Promise."parenting.mdpc.org

Make a Difference with CanCareYou can make a difference in someone else’s life! Share the hope. If you are a cancer survivor or have been a caregiver to a cancer survivor and have a passion for helping others, this may be the mission for you.Volunteer Training: Friday-Saturday, February 19-21For more information or to register, visit cancare.org or call 713-461-0028.

Galatians 5:1-25

Happening at MDPC

MDPC INFO

Cookies for U.S. Troops

This is a call to MDPC families to put on aprons, dig out their bowls and spoons, and bake! Our soldiers receive any gift with a heart full of gratitude, but it’s the homemade cookies they really crave.

Drop your cookies off this Thursday, or stay to help package. Everyone is welcome!

Bake

Care PaCkage aSSemBly:Thursday, February 4 9:00 AM-1:30 PM | CLC 170

MDPC MOrNINg WOrshIp

8:30 & 9:45 AM servIces

*Please stand if able. CCLI # 182374

PReluDe Rigaudon André Campra (1660-1744)/arr. Wallace John Eyre, trumpet

WelCoMe AnD CAll To WoRSHiP Dave Steane

CHoRAl inTRoiT God Gave to Us This Glorious Day J. S. Bach (1685-1750)

*HyMn oF PRAiSe The Church’s One Foundation #442; Vs. 1, 4, 5 | Aurelia

*PRAyeR oF ConFeSSion AnD ASSuRAnCe oF PARDon Rachel Poysky

*AFFiRMATion oF FAiTH from The Apostle’s Creed

*CongRegATionAl ReSPonSe The Gloria Patri Hymn #579

AnTHeM Let Us Sing to the Lord J. Harold Moyer (1926-2012) Julie Thornton, soloist

oFFeRToRy Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus arr. Dan Forrest (b.1978)

MeSSAge The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness, gentleness, & Self-Control Alf Halvorson

*HyMn oF ReSPonSe Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart #326; Vs. 1, 2 | Morecambe

PoSTluDe All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name arr. Diane Bish

11:15 AM TradITIONal servIce

"Worship is the celebrative response to what God has done, is doing, and promises to do."- John E. Burkhart

WelCoMe

*SongS oF PRAiSe

*PRAyeR oF ConFeSSion AnD ASSuRAnCe oF PARDon Rachel Poysky

giFTS oF gRATiTuDe Dave Steane

MeSSAge The Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness, gentleness, & Self-Control Alf Halvorson

ReSPonSe oF THe PeoPle

Musicians participating in these services: Joe Gavito, guitar; Meliza Gómez, worship leader; Craig Gysler, keys; Michael Middleton, worship leader; Asher Pudlo, drums; and Dennis Whittaker, bass

Musicians participating in this service: Kathryn White, organ/piano; Charles Hausmann, Sanctuary Choir Conductor

Parties

Elementary

Food, fun, more fun, and more

food...You don’t wanna miss it!

2nd-3rd and 4th-5th grade parties coming soon.

K & 1st GradeThe party's today!

12:30-2:30 PM | The Galaxy

Do You Love to Sing? Come join the Kinkaid Upper School and MDPC Sanctuary Choirs at our first workshop for the May 1 joint concert of music by Leonard Bernstein and Beethoven. All youth and adults are welcome, no singing experience required. Free snacks and music included!Workshop: Next Saturday, February 69:30 AM-12:30 PM | Choir Room

For more information, contact Tracy Stidam at tstidam@mdpc.org.

ONE Unique Experiences.

Prayerful Season.

MANY

Ash WednesdayWednesday, February 10 | 7:00 AM & 6:30 PM

Our Lenten journey begins with two opportunities on Ash Wednes-day. Early-morning prayer and ashes will include a brief reflection, an introduction to MDPC’s Prayer Wall, and the imposition of ashes.Wednesday evening’s service will be a traditional service that also will include the imposition of ashes. See today's insert or visit lent.mdpc.org for information on this and other Lenten season offerings.

ONE Unique Experiences.

Prayerful Season.

MANY

Lent is the period of time from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, when believers focus on repentance, devotion, and renewal. MDPC is offering a variety of ways for you to participate in this spiritual and prayerful anticipation, prepare your hearts for the celebration of Easter. For more information on all of these Lenten activities, or to register for Small Groups, The Spoken Word, or Journey to the Cross, visit lent.mdpc.org.

Ash Wednesday ServicesWednesday, February 10 | 7:00 AM | ChapelEarly Morning Prayer & Ashes, led by Senior Pastor Alf Halverson, Minister Brett Hurst, & Elder Ralph Wheeler. Join us for this brief service.Wednesday, February 10 | 6:30 PM | SanctuaryThe evening service, led by Pastor Halvorson, will be the more traditional Ash Wednesday service, and will include the imposition of ashes.

Eat, Pray, Lent Seven-week Small Group StudyBeginning the week of Sunday, February 14Dr. Halvorson, in his Lenten sermon series, will explore the specific messages that Jesus has at each locale on the road to Jerusalem and the cross, which helps us prepare for and understand Holy Week and Easter. Small groups will reflect on the sermons and Scriptures together while encouraging one another. Join an existing group, start your own, or participate with your current small group or class. Visit the EPL table in the lobby to register, and to pick up your study guides.

Three-part Wednesday Night Lenten SeriesFebruary 17-March 2Dinner will be available for purchase each week in Fellowship Hall.Wednesday, February 17 | 6:15-7:15 PM | Summit RoomThe Spiritual Discipline of FastingLed by Elder Martha MooreMeet for a short lecture, distribution of Daniel Plan resources, and to experience an MDPC Campus Prayer Walk.

Wednesday February 24 | 6:15-7:15 PM | ParlorDiscerning God’s Will & WaysLed by a panel of MDPC PastorsMeet for a panel discussion with MDPC Pastors about today’s culture.Wednesday March 2 | 4:00-5:30 PM | ParlorSpiritual Gifts & Personal ResponsibilityLed by Elder Ralph WheelerMeet for a short lecture followed by a Community Prayer Walk.Wednesday, March 2 | 6:00-7:30 PM | ParlorFellowship, Breaking of Bread, & PrayerGrab dinner and meet Shari and Alf Halvorson for fellowship and Lenten review.

The Spoken WordMonday-Thursday, March 21-24A Cover-to-Cover Reading of the ScripturesMake 2016 the year you participate in The Spoken Word! Volunteers read for 15-minute increments and then hand off to the next reader. We hope that everyone will take the opportunity to be part of this inspiring experience! Registration opens February 21.

Maundy Thursday ServiceThursday, March 24 | 6:30 PMJoin us in the Chapel for a moving renactment of the Last Supper, followed by the partaking of the elements.

Journey to the Cross Good Friday, March 25 | Tours from 9:30-11:30 AMOn Good Friday, you and your family are invited to walk through the last week of Jesus’ life. Register early to secure your spot. Preschoolers and their parents are invited to Junior Journey to the Cross. No pre-registration required.

Good Friday ServiceFriday, March 25 | 12:00 Noon | SanctuaryJoin us this service that focuses on the passion of Jesus, and His suffering in our place on the cross.

Easter ServicesSunday, March 27Join us for one of our six Easter celebrations:7:15 AM Sunrise Service Chapel8:30 AM Contemporary Service Chapel10:00 AM Family Service Sanctuary11:15 AM Traditional Service Sanctuary11:15 AM Spanish Service Chapel5:00 PM Fifth Service Chapel

This is the fifth in a series of six sermons/studies on The Fruit of the Spirit. The New Revised Standard

Version (NRSV) of the Bible, which is the same as our pew Bibles in the Sanctuary and Chapel, says for Galatians 5:22, “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” Have you memorized this verse yet?

1. What aspect of this series has comforted you the most thus far? What insight has chal-lenged you most? What questions do you still have?

2. When asked, “What trait in other people do you dislike most?” the top answer routinely is, “Unfaithfulness.” People who say one thing and do another; cheaters; breakers of trust. Share with your group a societal example of unfaithfulness. To you, why is unfaithfulness so destructive?

3. The Greek word for faithfulness is pistis. It means “faith” when it applies to us and “faithful” when it applies to God. In other words, pistis is trusting in the trustworthiness of God. I suggested that you can’t have pistis without risk. Where in Scripture have you seen pistis (risking/trusting in the trustworthiness of God) on display?

This is the fifth in a series of six sermons/studies on The Fruit of the Spirit. The New Revised Standard

Version (NRSV) of the Bible, which is the same as our pew Bibles in the Sanctuary and Chapel, says for Galatians 5:22, “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” Have you memorized this verse yet?

1. What aspect of this series has comforted you the most thus far? What insight has chal-lenged you most? What questions do you still have?

2. When asked, “What trait in other people do you dislike most?” the top answer routinely is, “Unfaithfulness.” People who say one thing and do another; cheaters; breakers of trust. Share with your group a societal example of unfaithfulness. To you, why is unfaithfulness so destructive?

3. The Greek word for faithfulness is pistis. It means “faith” when it applies to us and “faithful” when it applies to God. In other words, pistis is trusting in the trustworthiness of God. I suggested that you can’t have pistis without risk. Where in Scripture have you seen pistis (risking/trusting in the trustworthiness of God) on display?

This is the fifth in a series of six sermons/studies on The Fruit of the Spirit. The New Revised Standard

Version (NRSV) of the Bible, which is the same as our pew Bibles in the Sanctuary and Chapel, says for Galatians 5:22, “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” Have you memorized this verse yet?

1. What aspect of this series has comforted you the most thus far? What insight has chal-lenged you most? What questions do you still have?

2. When asked, “What trait in other people do you dislike most?” the top answer routinely is, “Unfaithfulness.” People who say one thing and do another; cheaters; breakers of trust. Share with your group a societal example of unfaithfulness. To you, why is unfaithfulness so destructive?

3. The Greek word for faithfulness is pistis. It means “faith” when it applies to us and “faithful” when it applies to God. In other words, pistis is trusting in the trustworthiness of God. I suggested that you can’t have pistis without risk. Where in Scripture have you seen pistis (risking/trusting in the trustworthiness of God) on display?

Faithfulness, Gentleness, & Self-ControlGalatians 5:22-25Alf Halvorson Preaching

Faithfulness, Gentleness, & Self-ControlGalatians 5:22-25Alf Halvorson Preaching

Faithfulness, Gentleness, & Self-ControlGalatians 5:22-25Alf Halvorson Preaching

Sunday, January 31, 2016 Sunday, January 31, 2016 Sunday, January 31, 2016Digging deeper Digging deeper Digging deeper

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Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church11612 Memorial Drive | Houston, Texas 77024 | mdpc.org | 713-782-1710

4. MDPC is 60 years old. Where have you seen pistis displayed here over the years? Where is faithfulness hardest for you right now? Why?

5. The word gentleness, or meekness, suffers because it has become synonymous with weak-ness. But actually, gentleness in Greek is praotes, which is used for an animal that has been tamed or trained. It means “under control.” To the Greeks, virtues were the mean between two vices. Aristotle taught that the vice of rage is bad on the one end, and indifference is bad on the other, but praotes (gentleness) is right in between. It is refusing rage and avoid-ing indifference. It is to stay engaged and to stay in control. It is to have our emotions har-nessed, to be teachable or coachable. And self-control is egkrateia, which means “mastery of desires, self-mastery, or an athlete’s discipline of the body.” Do you believe that humans can control themselves, or are we at the whim of our emotions and desires? What are the ramifications of either view taken to its wildest conclusion?

6. Where do you need gentleness or self-control? Where has the Spirit helped you with these two areas?

7. Alf shared a parable about a carriage pulled by six large chestnut horses. Which horse are you most like and why? Why did one colt remain basically the same and the other grow and mature? How can you be more like the second horse?

4. MDPC is 60 years old. Where have you seen pistis displayed here over the years? Where is faithfulness hardest for you right now? Why?

5. The word gentleness, or meekness, suffers because it has become synonymous with weak-ness. But actually, gentleness in Greek is praotes, which is used for an animal that has been tamed or trained. It means “under control.” To the Greeks, virtues were the mean between two vices. Aristotle taught that the vice of rage is bad on the one end, and indifference is bad on the other, but praotes (gentleness) is right in between. It is refusing rage and avoid-ing indifference. It is to stay engaged and to stay in control. It is to have our emotions har-nessed, to be teachable or coachable. And self-control is egkrateia, which means “mastery of desires, self-mastery, or an athlete’s discipline of the body.” Do you believe that humans can control themselves, or are we at the whim of our emotions and desires? What are the ramifications of either view taken to its wildest conclusion?

6. Where do you need gentleness or self-control? Where has the Spirit helped you with these two areas?

7. Alf shared a parable about a carriage pulled by six large chestnut horses. Which horse are you most like and why? Why did one colt remain basically the same and the other grow and mature? How can you be more like the second horse?

4. MDPC is 60 years old. Where have you seen pistis displayed here over the years? Where is faithfulness hardest for you right now? Why?

5. The word gentleness, or meekness, suffers because it has become synonymous with weak-ness. But actually, gentleness in Greek is praotes, which is used for an animal that has been tamed or trained. It means “under control.” To the Greeks, virtues were the mean between two vices. Aristotle taught that the vice of rage is bad on the one end, and indifference is bad on the other, but praotes (gentleness) is right in between. It is refusing rage and avoid-ing indifference. It is to stay engaged and to stay in control. It is to have our emotions har-nessed, to be teachable or coachable. And self-control is egkrateia, which means “mastery of desires, self-mastery, or an athlete’s discipline of the body.” Do you believe that humans can control themselves, or are we at the whim of our emotions and desires? What are the ramifications of either view taken to its wildest conclusion?

6. Where do you need gentleness or self-control? Where has the Spirit helped you with these two areas?

7. Alf shared a parable about a carriage pulled by six large chestnut horses. Which horse are you most like and why? Why did one colt remain basically the same and the other grow and mature? How can you be more like the second horse?