The Church at Horseshoe Bay

Transcription

1 September 2017 The Church at Horseshoe Bay ASCRIBE PRAISE (an occasional article on the why of worship and worship practices) We do chicken right! You know those words as the motto of KFC. While one might debate the truthfulness of the slogan, it is a bold statement that accurately declares its purpose. KFC doesn t do burgers or fries or tacos or pizza. It does chicken and if you want great chicken, there is only one place to go because KFC does chicken right. That got me thinking: do we worship right? Of all the activities and ministries a church does, one must be central: worship. If we aren t about doing worship right, then something is very, very wrong because as scripture abundantly teaches worship is at the core of Christian faith and the spiritual vitality of a faith community. The bottom line: we worship God because God is God and because it is only right that God be worshipped. But good worship takes preparation for us. Puritan Richard Baxter said this: Whenever you come to worship God, labor to awaken your soul to a reverent apprehension of the presence and greatness and holiness of God s majesty; and to a serious apprehension of the greatness and excellency of the holy work which you take in hand. In other words, before showing up for worship on the Lord s Day, give some thought about why you are doing so and what kind of God you are coming before. Baxter s words are particularly pertinent to persons who help lead worship like pastors. My worship can easily slide into making sure the mechanics of worship happen. But then I ll miss actually being in worship. This isn t to excuse any sloppiness in preparing the mechanics of worship. The details of what happens in worship, where it is to happen and how it flows is quite important. But it s not the most important thing. Doing worship right is. See you in church. In Christ, Malcolm McQueen Choir Returns The choir returns Sunday, September 10 after a tenweek break. It is always nice for the group to have a vacation but we all miss them on Sunday mornings. To tell the truth, most of the choir members miss it, too. The reason we do this break is because many of them go on vacation in the summer and it s harder to plan music for Sunday morning when you don t know if the choir will be 30 singers or 10! The choir did start on Wednesday, September 6 with an all day retreat. We came together and spent the day going through the music to be sung all the way through December. The morning was used for learning new anthems for Sunday mornings and, after lunch, the Christmas music was introduced. The cantata this year is titled O Come to My Heart. This is always an exciting time for the group to see what is planned for the next three months. So be prepared for all to be back in their place, robed and ready to sing this Sunday. Church volunteers preparing music for their upcoming retreat. It took all of them to do the work that faithful volunteer Winnie Woodruff used to do! (l-r Hannah Drago, Julie Parker, Diana Gum, JoAnn Warren, Cathy Harris, Sharon Penny, Neil Younker, Bobbie Walker, Nancy Ashley, and Sue Sherwood)

2 TO START UP- September 14 Now that September is here, the weekly meeting of Forum will resume: Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. starting September 14. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, says the writer of Hebrews (11:1). As we move throughout the fall here at The Church at Horseshoe Bay I am reminded of faith in Christ. As a pastor, by faith, I have accepted five specific calls to specific places: (1) The Locker Community near Richland Springs, Texas; (2) Henderson in east Texas; (3) Granbury near Fort Worth; (4) Georgetown near Austin; (5) and, now Horseshoe Bay. But now that I think about it, I could add Hurst, Texas, San Marcos, Hong Kong, and throw in other places like Cambridge, UK, New York, Vermont, Spruce Pine, North Carolina, and Andice, Texas. Everywhere the Lord has taken me and my family, we have loved the people, the places, the churches, and the excitement and, sometimes, the challenges of ministry. Every new venture births an adventure as we walk by faith. I find myself interested in local history, people s lives, the stories, and God s work in our midst. I say all this to simply say thank you for welcoming Judy and me; thank you for your hospitality; and thank you for your kindness. Our excitement builds as we walk by faith, live by faith, and journey by faith together. On another note, join us for worship each Sunday, Men of Faith Prayer Breakfasts, and all the other activities and ministries highlighted in this Newsletter. We look forward also to our sermon series in October as we (Malcolm and I) talk about the Reformation. And before you know it, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here. So seize each day, give thanks to the Lord, and keep your eyes of faith turned upward towards Christ. We will meet in a new location Room 1&2 in the Christian Education building. New to Forum? Wondering what it is? Forum is what the name implies: a place to discuss areas of current interest and think Christianly about them. All are welcome to join the weekly conversation. Expect engaging thought and a variety of perspectives. In light of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in October, the beginning topic for Forum will revolve around the Reformation and why it matters. GOING TO ISRAEL! Interested in making a spiritual and educational trip to the land of our Christian faith? Pastors Malcolm McQueen and Johnny White with the approval of the Board of Trustees - will co-lead a trip to Israel scheduled for May 7-16, An information meeting is set for Tuesday, October 3 at 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Come and hear the details, ask questions, etc. Faith is the Victory that Overcomes the World, John Virginia McCoy Belmont Village # West Holcomb Houston, Tx Bless each of you that keep our church pantry and freezer full for those who have had surgery or have been ill. Having been able to share in this bounty, know how special it is when lunch or dinner time comes. Thanks to all of you for sharing your table with us. Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts which we have received from thy bounty through Christ Our Lord, Amen. Love y all, Susie and Dick Schumacher

3 The Church at Horseshoe Bay Remembrance Garden Why We Have the Garden: The Church at Horseshoe Bay, in the early 2000 s, came to realize that so many families and loved ones in the congregation dedicated to the church so many bronzes, plaques and memorials, that we no longer had room in the narthex to display them properly. It was suggested that possibly a memorial garden or memorial building or room could be added to the church. In 2003, the church Board of Trustees decided that a memorial garden should be developed and thanks to a very generous gift of 3.87 acres of land west of the church by Wayne and Eileen Hurd, a garden committee was formed and plans were developed. How the Garden is Used The garden was created to be a place for peaceful reflection and to have a serene and prayerful environment in which to relax and meditate. It does include memorial engraving stones in which to engrave the name of any deceased church member, if he or she was a member of the congregation. The engraving of the names of deceased church members is checked each January for the deaths of any church member that occurred the previous year. The pastors contact the surviving family members so the engraving can accurately be done before Easter of each year if they like. The garden is intended to be used for weddings, funerals, church functions and special services, but is also open to all residents of the area to relax and meditate and express their inner spirituality. The History of the Garden: The dedication of the Remembrance Garden was held in The Church maintains the beautiful landscaping, wondering paths, scripture plaques, waterfall and pool with an angel and night lighting. The lighting automatically comes on at dusk and goes off at midnight and provides a beautiful view of Horseshoe Bay. How the Garden is Funded: The engraving on the stones and capital additions to the garden are funded by designated garden donations. Memorial engraving request forms are available in the church office. Normal upkeep and maintenance expenses are budgeted and paid out of the church s operating fund and the garden fund. Who oversees the Garden: A Remembrance Garden committee meets regularly to review the needs of the garden. If you would like to be Invites all ladies to involved in the garden or you would like to share your thoughts on the garden, please contact the Grounds Chairperson, Norm Homburg at or Bill Trembly at bdt@nctv.com or WOW SAVE THE DATE NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Wow will be hosting our annual fall retreat at Camp Buckner. This year we will learn from guest teacher Susie Hawkins. She will lead our journey to the keys of developing a Transparent Heart/ Authentic Faith More info and details to come.

4 The Men of Faith are pleased to announce that our next speaker for a Fellowship Breakfast will be Rick Green of the WallBuilders Organization. Wall Builders is an organization dedicated to presenting America s forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on the moral religious and constitutional foundation on which America was built a foundation which, in recent years, has been seriously attacked and undermined. This event will be held on Tuesday, September 26 at 8:00 a.m. at The Church at Horseshoe Bay. Tickets are $10 per/person and will be on sale before and after the early and late church services on Sunday, September 10, 17 and 24. They are also available from the church office ( ) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 :30 p.m. up to September 25 th. Finally, you can come and purchase tickets at the door prior to the breakfast at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26, The guest speaker from the Wall Builders is Rick Green. He is a former Texas State Representative, national speaker, author, and radio host. Rick travels the nation speaking for David Barton s Wall- Builders organization and Rick and David co-host the national daily radio program, WallBuilders Live! Rick is the author and executive producer of Constitution Alive!, America s most engaging and entertaining study of the U.S. Constitution. Rick is also the founder and president of Patriot Academy, which trains young leaders in founding principles as they participate in mock legislative sessions held in state capitols across the nation. He and his wife, Kara, have 4 kids. Chasing America Legends is a new TV show that follows their family as they investigate America s heroes, legends and legacies. Worship + 2- Volunteers Needed Worship + 2 Thanks Volunteers Back to School Blast huge success! Lake Shores Church s annual Back to School Blast was a huge success this year, and we are happy to have been a part of that success. Thank you to everyone who sent checks (over $ ), contributed children s shoes and worked to prepare for the event or at the event itself. Our Benevolence Committee also contributes to this event that serves a larger community of elementary children every year. Highlands Lakes Young Life is looking for volunteers to help them reach the next kid. Young Life volunteer leaders come from a variety of backgrounds. They re moms and dads, college students retirees and other compassionate adults who want God s best for kids. When you re a leader you re also joining a community of staff, leaders and committee. It s not uncommon for leaders to say that they get more out of being a leader than what they give. Are you interested? Think that maybe YOU were made for this? Then get started by contacting the local office. Young Life Contact Number: Worship + 2 Coordinator: rondahsb@gmail.com Ronda Rodman

5 REMEMBERING THE REFORMATION (This October 31 marks the 500 th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, a history-altering event that began a monumental movement. Each month we ll explore the background to the Reformation and why it still impacts the world today. So far, we ve looked at some of the underlying reasons that started a pre-reformation ferment in Europe, England and Scotland with Englishman John Wycliffe being a key person in the spread of reformation ideas. In addition, we saw how those ideas cost the lives of persons such as Czech priest Jan (John) Hus and Scottish vicar Thomas Thomas Forret (under the persecution of Mary, Queen of Scots).. The event itself didn t draw attention beyond the typical: on the eve of the Day of All Saints, October 31, 1517, Martin Luther - an Augustinian friar and relatively obscure professor of Bible at the University of Wittenberg - with hammer in hand, approached the main north door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany and nailed a document (known as the 95 Theses) containing his doctrinal dispute with the Church, especially over indulgences. The door of the Castle Church did serve as the official university bulletin board and was regularly used for exactly the kind of announcement Luther made. So what Luther did was not unusual and no one that day foresaw the firestorm that was about to be unleashed. But within two weeks, copies of the theses had spread throughout Germany and within two months, they had spread throughout Europe. The fire of the Protestant Reformation had begun and it centered around the crucial question: how is a sinful person justified before a holy God? Luther, in re-reading scripture, came to find the answer: sola fide justification by faith alone. In this, Luther contended the Pope does not have any final authority over a believer and indulgences were an anathema to the gospel of Jesus. For this, Luther was eventually ex-communicated. But the Reformation grew stronger in England, Scotland and the rest of Europe. Luther continued to teach and write. Perhaps his most trying time was when the Black Plague swept through Germany. Many fled the country but Luther remained in Wittenberg and opened his home as a hospital. He almost lost his son to the deadly disease. During this time Luther wrote his most famous hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God based on Psalm 46. God is a bulwark never failing whose kingdom is forever. That psalm sustained Luther throughout his years. Dear Friends of BUA, Benevolence Highlight On behalf of Baptist University of the Américas (BUA), our faculty, staff, and especially our students, thank you for faithfully supporting our ministry. Your generosity and commitment to BUA is vital to our success. BUA and its mission to train cross-cultural Christian leaders from the Hispanic context play an important role in the future of our state and nation. Where would the men and women now studying at BUA be, if not at this university? Perhaps without any higher education options and perhaps not pursuing a role in ministry. And perhaps not leaders in the community giving voice to the Truth. If these students are not educated at BUA, how will we contribute to delivering the message of Christ in the Hispanic population? Together we are making a difference. Your mission dollars are hard at work supplying dire needs such as institutional support and scholarships for worthy students. This summer we were blessed with a special benevolence gift to fund 12 scholarships. I am honored to report that the scholarship funds were dispersed to some of our finest and deserving students. Among the recipients is a single mom trying to further her education to become a children s rights advocate, an ex-gang member who gave up a life of violence for a dream of becoming a missionary, a young man with plans to become a U.S. Navy Chaplain, and a young woman with a thriving prison ministry. For these students, your investment reaffirms their faith and calling as God continues to supply their every need. Thank you for giving as the Lord has given unto you sowing generously into BUA and its students. In Christ, Teo Cisneros Vice President for Development

6 Sonny Schott 9/1 Eileen Drake 9/8 Beverly Graham 9/16 J. T. McMahon 9/26 Jim Browning 9/2 Lafon Pearson 9/9 Cynthia Clinesmith 9/17 Katherine Herring 9/26 Camille Sweigart 9/2 Karen Stevens 9/9 Diane Lott 9/18 Frances Highsmith 9/26 Bart Stephens 9/3 Carolyn McGrew 9/10 Michele Shackelford 9/18 Lonnie Wagner 9/27 Jan Atkins 9/3 Sherry Roberts 9/11 Jamie King 9/19 George Mitchell 9/27 Bonnie DeAtkine 9/3 Ruth Draper 9/11 Sandi Becraft 9/20 Kirk Robison 9/27 Rodney Teague 9/3 Charlie Thornton 9/12 Tom Jones 9/20 Gene McAlpine 9/27 Patty Gillean 9/3 Dave Kithil 9/12 Pete Christy 9/20 Cort Randell 9/28 Dick Schumacher 9/4 Dortha Coalter 9/12 Rebecca Nicholson 9/21 Kay Tyler 9/29 Ken Blake 9/4 Louraine Robertson 9/12 Grace Weaver 9/23 Andy Collins 9/29 Rosalind Grover 9/5 Robert Land 9/12 David Buckman 9/23 Donald Eckelbarger 9/30 Cheri Townsend 9/6 Carey Woods 9/15 Tom Barker 9/23 Larry Sherwood 9/30 Susan Rantzow 9/7 Lynn Lane 9/16 Carol Brushwood 9/23 Rita Smith 9/30 Jim Tyler 9/8 Mary Boshears 9/16 Karon McAlpine 9/24 Carol Schiewitz 9/30 Anniversaries Sherman & Patricia Martin 9/2 Jimmie & Elaine Hughes 9/4 Tommy & Jan Atkins 9/22 Jim & Kay Gibert 9/3 Ross & Alice Johnson 9/10 Dick & Susan Rantzow 9/23 John & Carolyn McGrew 9/3 Larry & LuLu Glass 9/14 Brad & Patti Carr 9/24 Kirk & Diane Smith 9/3 Don & Christine Wood 9/19 Tom & Mary Barker 9/28 Duane & Stacy Dressen 9/19 Bible Alive The book of Amos 9/10 Ch.8, The Basket of Fruit 9/17 Ch.9, The Lord Standing by the Altar New Study- John 9/24 John 1:1-34 The Diety of Jesus Seeker Class Luther, Gospel, Law and Reformation 9/10 The Meaning of the Sacraments 9/17 The Indulgence Controversy 9/24 The Reformation Goes Public New Beginnings Class The Habits of Happiness by Rick Warren 9/10 How to be Happy No Matter What 9/17 Study from Romans 9/24 The Humble Path to Happiness 9:45 am- Sunday Women s Bible Study Hosea, by Jennifer Rothchild 9/10 DVD- Redeeming the Idolotrinkets 9/17 Discussion- Unfailing Love 9/24 DVD- His Boundary of Love Faith Bridge When Christians Get It Wrong by Adam Hamilton 9/10 When Christians are Uncertain 9/17 Christians, Science, and Politics 9/24 When Speaking of Other Religions Books and Scones will meet in the church library on Tuesday, September 26 at 2:30 p.m. The book we will read and discuss this month is Tuesdays With Morie by Mitch Albom. Come by the church office, pick up a book and join us for an informative discussion. Books are available for $7.00.

7 The Finance Department oversees the church finances and budgetary process each year. Some notable items from 2017 thus far include: Contributions to the Operating Fund have been slightly below compared to prior year to date. Third quarter contributions are generally lower due to summer travel plans but is often compensated for in the fourth quarter. The Finance committee has been given no indications of significant changes in the giving patterns that would materially impact achieving the budgeted 2017 contributions. Building maintenance costs have been conservative this year due to on-site personnel mitigating most issues, eliminating a significant portion of costs that were previously contracted. That said, we have aging facilities and it is requiring additional efforts to be maintained properly. Of the $150,000 approved from the Building Fund in January, $20,383 has been spent replacing both air conditioning units in the Education Building, $16,525 on the new campus and street signage, $7,787 on Education building modifications to add two exterior doors and remove the wall between classrooms #1 and #2, $5,869 on the west campus lighting project, $3,135 on seal coating the main parking lot, $4,249 on A/V improvements, and $700 on a survey consultant to assist the Long Range Planning Committee. The Board continues to evaluate the HVAC unit performances in our other aging buildings for planned unit replacements. As of August 31, we have achieved 58% of our annual budgeted contributions to date. Prior YTD was 60%. 9.8% of the contributions were received from online donations last year at this time; this year, it is at 9.4% as of August 31. Additional financial information can be found in the weekly bulletin. Financial Report and Attendance as of August 31, 2017 Average 8:30 Attendance 86 Average 11:00 Attendance 149 Average Sunday School Total Attendance 100 Remaining steadfast in our vision to become a dollar-to-dollar congregation. August Actual YTD Actual Last YTD Actual Remaining Budget Contributions $ 72,255 $ 628,572 $ 650,698 $ 464,428 Miscellaneous Income $ 2,894 $ 19,552 $ 6,897 $ (9,052) Operating Expenses $ (48,536) $ (481,309) $ (459,541) $ (251,316) Building Fund Transfers $ - $ (2,167) $ (17,333) $ (23,833) Benevolence Giving $ (18,150) $ (266,780) $ (244,310) $ (77,220) Net Excess/(Shortfall) $ 8,464 $ (102,132) $ (63,589) $ 103,006 Bring a Friend to Church Recently I had the privilege of introducing a new member to the congregation that really had me thinking. She told me that a member of the Church at Horseshoe Bay brought her to Worship. A member.a member brought a friend to worship. While not a novel idea, it is certainly not a practice we all commit to. Fall is the perfect time to consider this. Do you have friends or neighbors that are not attending worship or Adult Education Classes? Step out in faith! Ask a friend to Church! Offer to pick them up...take them to lunch...share your church experience with them. Together we build a stronger more active congregation. Ronda Rodman, Membership Chairman...the arms of Christ in our time and place

8 The Church at Horseshoe Bay 600 Hi Ridge Rd. PO Box 8295 Horseshoe Bay, Tx NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage Paid Marble Falls, TX Permit # 51 The Church at Horseshoe Bay 600 Hi Ridge Rd./ PO Box 8295, Horseshoe Bay, Tx Fax Board of Trustees Kent Graham- Chairman Ken Lindgren- Vice-Chairperson Bob Thomas- Treasurer Ruth Newman- Asst. Treasurer Don Eckelbarger- Corp. Secretary Jerry Clinesmith, Frances Highsmith Norman Homburg, Jim Hower, Pat McMurtrie, David Rose, Lee Peterson, Bobby Walker Linda Wilson WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 9:45 a.m. Sermons are available: Like us on Facebook Church Staff Malcolm McQueen Senior Pastor John Duncan Co-Pastor Garry Kesler Minister of Music Kena Richert Bus. Administrator Michael De La Garza Organist Amy Childress Pianist DeDe Hodge Office Manager Shell Reynolds Maintenance Michael Pittard Custodian Sue Martini Nursery HURRICANE HARVEY: If you would like to provide monetary support to the victims of Hurricane Harvey, first-responders and volunteers, you can send your gift to the church via cash, check or by using our online giving program, and it will supplement the donation already committed by the church. Please indicate "Harvey" in the memo for your gift. In addition to contributing financially, your Benevolence Committee is asking for contributions of any hygiene items such as soap, lotion, shampoo, deodorant, washcloth, comb/brush, facial tissue, shaving cream, razors, toothpaste/brush, feminine hygiene products as well as first aid kits. Drop off points for these items are: our Church Office; Baylor Scott & White Hospital (by the cafeteria); and First Capital Bank, located across the entrance into HSB West. To date, our collective support financially has been $23,125 to aide in recovery efforts as well as two car loads of hygiene and first aid items.