Pastor Mike. Hoping in the Dark

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1 Hoping in the Dark My wife, Amanda, has this matted brown teddy bear she calls Bo-Bear. And Bo-Bear went with Amanda through childhood, even in the uncertain days of college, right up until he didn t fit into our bed which became crowded with kids and their own stuffed animals and sleeping toys. Maybe it s not a tattered stuffed animal. Maybe you have an old photograph that lifts your spirits as memories give you strength. Maybe you have a piece of artwork that hangs on your wall that reminds you of your mother, your father, your kids. Maybe you have the pawprint of a beloved pet, molded out of plaster, sitting on a bookshelf. We all have stones of remembrance, stacked along the roads of our lives, to give us hope in the dark moments. And those stones are called inukshuk. Have you heard that before? Inukshuk are Inuit monuments made of unworked and rough stones that are used by the Inuit people for communication and survival. The traditional meaning of the inukshuk is someone was here or you are on the right path. As I ve taken up hiking, more and more I ve seen these piled up stones frequently along the trails through the woods. They are also called cairns. They were put by the side of a path by fellow travelers, people wanting other travelers who will come after them to know that they were there and that someone had gone before them. In the same way that God told Joshua in the Old Testament to pile up stones of remembrance in the river so that the Israelites would not forget God s mighty hand at work in their lives, we too need to be about the work of gathering and piling up stones of remembrance. There are times when we can forget how much our community loves us and how present God is and has been to us as we have walked and are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. In this season, we need to be reminded that there is hope in the darkness, that there are cairns and inukshuk in our lives that tell us Jesus has walked this road before and that he is with us and that our community is with us too. As we near the end of the Advent season and squint towards the rising day of Christmas, we know that Christ has trod the unknown road before us. Jesus life is a cairn, is an inukshuk, along the side of our weary and dreary path. The stacked stones of remembrance, the life and words of Jesus, let us know that someone was here, someone has been down this road before us and we are not alone. We all have items of remembrance, stacked stones that give us hope along the way, hope that there is something more than the pain, and the sadness, and the darkness in front of us. And there is. Christmas is coming when we will sing songs of joy and hope and peace and love. We must remember that the spirit of Christmas is bringing light into the world and that Jesus has banished the darkness. Look for the inukshuk in your lives during this season. Come and hope in the dark. Pastor Mike The next issues of The Mosaic are scheduled for January 9 & 23, The deadline for submissions will be 5:00 p.m. Tuesday prior to the date of publication.

2 Coming Events Sunday December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent No Christian Education Classes 10:00 am Brunch with Ken Medema Family Hall (10:00 am 12:00 pm) (childcare provided) Monday December 24 Christmas Eve Church Office closed 4:30 pm Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary 5:40 pm Prelude Music Sanctuary 6:00 pm Christmas Eve Service Holy Communion offered Sanctuary (childcare provided) Tuesday December 25 Christmas Day Church Office closed Wednesday December 27 No Wednesday Activities Sunday December 30 First Sunday after Christmas 9:30 am Donuts, Coffee/Juice Family Hall 9:45 am Christian Education Christian Education Classrooms & Portable 1 10:55 am Morning Worship Sanctuary Tuesday January 1 New Year s Day Church Office closed Wednesday January 2 No Wednesday Activities (Activities resume January 9) Sunday January 6 Epiphany Sunday / The Gathering 9:30 am Donuts, Coffee/Juice Family Hall 9:45 am Christian Education Christian Education Classrooms & Portable 1 10:55 am Morning Worship Sanctuary 12:15 pm Education Committee Room 206 Tuesday January 8 6:00 pm Personnel Committee Library 8:30 pm Tech Committee Conference Call Wednesday January 9 Mosaic 3:00 pm Holy Rollers Room 202 5:30 pm Publicity/Outreach Room 206 5:30 pm Family Supper Family Hall 6:00 pm Youth Activities/Study Youth Basement 6:15 pm Children s Choir & Missions Children s Building 6:15 pm Midweek Service Family Hall 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary The deadline for the order of service, the Midweek, and the Mosaic is Tuesday, 5:00 p.m. prior to publication. Like RLBC on Facebook or Follow RLBC on Twitter Second Fridays at North Dallas Shared Ministries 2875 Merrell Road, Dallas, TX Second Fridays is our new volunteer ministry where we send five volunteers to North Dallas Shared Ministries each month. North Dallas Shared Ministries provides food, clothing, financial support, and dental and vision health services to our neighbors in North Dallas. We will work to help fill food and clothing orders from 10-11:30 am. We have all of 2019 on the sign-up, so look ahead and see when you may be able to help. Charlotte Sewell Sign up online at

3 Missions Matters Royal Lane has a long history of answering God s call to love through service. Missions Matters will appear in the Mosaic on a regular basis. It will highlight our continuing commitment to missions and other matters where we reach out to the community. This will be a place where we will tell our stories and perhaps help you find what matters most to you. What is your mission? Submit your story to Karen Miller. Forms available in the church office or online at Report from your Equity in Access Team The Equity in Access team hopes that you have noticed the recently shortened pews in the sanctuary that allow individuals to sit in wheelchairs in those newly available spaces as well as improving transfers to the pews with space for parking mobility devices. Automatic door openers have been added throughout the campus as well as railings along the stairwell to the youth basement. Concrete work has been completed along the northeast side of the building allowing for better access, and we are currently in the process of transitioning handicapped parking to where preferred parking is currently indicated. Once again, thanks to everyone who has made these changes possible. Parents Christmas Party December 14, 2018 Parents just want to have fun! Jeff Dobbs, joined RLBC on December 16, 2018

4 Ken Medema Singing our stories, inspiring hearts Coming to RLBC December 23, 10:00 am 12:00 pm Family Hall For four decades, Ken Medema has inspired people through storytelling and music. Though blind from birth, Ken sees and hears with heart and mind. His ability to capture spirit in word and song is unparalleled. One of the most creative and authentic artists performing today, Ken custom designs every musical moment of his performance with brilliant improvisation that defies description. From the time he was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1943, Ken has been unable to see with his physical eyes. His sight is limited to distinguishing between light and darkness and seeing fuzzy outlines of major objects Music early became a major component of Medema s life. I started banging on the piano when I was five years old, he says, making up crazy little fantasies on my mom s piano. When I was eight years old my parents got me a wonderful teacher who taught me the classics with Braille music and taught me to play by ear. His teacher also taught him to improvise. Every time I learned a piece my teacher would tell me, Now, you improvise in that style. So music became a second language. After graduating from high school Medema studied music therapy at Michigan State University in Lansing, where he concentrated heavily on performance skills in piano and voice. He worked as a music therapist in Fort Wayne, Indiana, returned to Michigan State for a master s degree (1969). In 1973, Medema left his work as a therapist and began a career as a performing and recording artist. He recorded albums for Word and Shawnee Press; then, in 1985 founded Brier Patch Music. Brier Patch is an independent recording, publishing, and performance-booking company with headquarters in Grandville, Michigan. Brier Patch creates musical expressions that celebrate all aspects of the human experience, with an emphasis on spirituality and such universal concerns as peace, justice, and the environment. Today, Medema performs in a widely variety of venues, from local congregations to charity fund-raisers, to high school and university campuses, to denominational youth gatherings, to universally televised religious programs, to corporate conventions, to annual assemblies of national organizations. He is co-founder of Interlude Retreat Corporation, which gifts retreat experiences for music directors. Ken Medema and his wife, Jane, have been married since 1965 and live in the San Francisco Bay area of California. They have two grown married children and four grandchildren, Aaron and Sonya Medema (Charlotte and Henry) and Rachel and Dennis Gilchrist (Logan James and Fiona Lee). Coming to the Box-Hawkins Gallery Jim Bush, Photographer of Steven James Gallery, will have a Photography Exhibition in the Box-Hawkins Gallery from January 4 to March 29, Visit his website ( to explore ways you may want to have any of his work reproduced for purchase. This is a unique opportunity to view examples of his work on different medium (acrylic, canvas and infused aluminum) before the show is hung in the gallery on January 4, There are many fabulous interior and exterior photographs of Royal Lane Baptist Church that will be of particular interest. All net proceeds of sales from this exhibit will be contributed to the church. Box-Hawkins Gallery Receptions Thursday, January 10, 5:30-7:30 pm Sunday, January 13, 12:15-2:00 pm

5 Where is YOUR Passion? I am Nancy K. Ferrell, the current, elected Treasurer of RLBC church. I want to give you as clear a picture as possible of the current financial reality of OUR church. First, we are a community of passionate people for SPECIAL projects! Over 3.5 years we raised over $600, for a fabulous organ that is a gift to our worship experience and to many future generations coming after us. In a matter of months we raised over $50, for equal access for those who come to this place to worship. We designate funds for scholarships, children, youth, music ministries, and a staff love offering at the end of each year. Second, we are a faith community that inherited an inquiring and inclusive community and beautiful facilities and property from the generations before us. However, these buildings and this property are aging faster than many of us! As of the end of November, our expenses are $45, more than our revenues. At this point in December our expenses are well beyond expected revenues. We all know that this cannot continue. The budgeting process is well under way for The Stewardship Team, Finance Committee, and Treasurer have challenged us to pledge $700, to maintain the current level of ministries and support staff and ministers in So far 100 giving units have pledged $583, to support our 2019 budget. This is 15 units and $66, less than was pledged to the budget in 2018 and $116, less than our goal for Those who pledged in 2018 have consistently honored those pledges. So what is the problem? Additional revenues, which include program and wedding revenues, were over-estimated and expenses were under estimated for If those who have pledged for 2019 would increase their pledge an average of $50.00 a month and we received at least 20 new pledges for an average of $ per month, we could maintain or current level of ministry and staff in If the current level of support continues, we will be short 2 months of revenues as we begin the year. What does this mean? We will need to reduce staff, programming, ministries and contributions to support other mission programs. Or, we could shut down the church for two months: saving electricity and water costs, maintenance on the property and buildings, food for Wednesday meals, supplies for our Sunday School and Wednesday evening activities for children, youth, and adults. We could allocate funds to mission programs we support based on 10 months rather than 12 months. (I don t think we want that!) This is real! That is why I am standing here before you this morning. To balance the budget, each committee will be asked to reduce their 2019 budget by 10% to 20%. The budget will be built based on the level of support from each of us as of December 31, If our pledges don t reach $700, by then, there will be cuts. The resulting budget will be presented to the church for approval at the January 2019 business meeting. Where is YOUR Passion for this faith community? We express our diverse passions through designated giving. However, each of us, all of us, every individual that calls this place MY CHURCH HOME must have passion for the ongoing monthly expenses of keeping this faith community operating at the corner of Hillcrest and Royal Lane, if we want to have a place to gather and challenge each other for the diverse passions we express. We know this is God s Church! It is our Faith Community! We are guardians for the current and future ministries that we are called to support in this location. So, what shall we do? My prayer is that individually we are called to express passion for the day to day, month to month, year to year operations of the work of God through the people of Royal Lane Baptist Church! May It Be So! Stewardship Update As of Wednesday, December 19, we have received 102 pledges for a total of $595,285 toward the 2019 operating budget.

6 Prayer Requests: Aidan Brown, son of Gregg & Dawn Brown Farnaz Faghihi, mother of Behnoush Ghodsi Robbye Foster s brother, Robert Rachel Gardner, niece of Laurence & Janet Schultz Barney Gilbreath, friend of Karen Miller Linda Grezak, niece, and Linda Shelton, cousin of Duanne Stockton Marilyn Lanfear, mother of Theresa Helms Lauren Madeley, friend of Brett Washburn Ruth May Forrest McKinney Gary Raiza, son, Joan Wright, sister of Maebelle Raiza Liz & Matt Rowan, daughter & son-in-law of Bill & Jo Ferguson Ron Sumter, father of Steve Sumter Sandra Tilden, daughter of Dorothy Tilden Ray & Sharon Vickrey Byron Willey, cousin of Daryl Willey Please continue to pray for: Jackie Arnold, sister of Cathy Webb; Lyn & Gordon Brown; Jerome Collins, friend of Mike Hurder; Robbye Foster s brother, Robert; Doug Leinneweber; Minnie Macias, mother of Rodney Macias; Barbara Mandeville, sister of Sandy Washington; William Oz Osborne; Robert Putman; Emelda Schultz, mother of Laurence Schultz; Ray Thompson, father of Dan Thompson; Jordan Weilage; John Wolf, Garland Pipe Organ Remember the homebound: Norman Morris; Betty Renfroe; Libba Studdard; James C. Walker The Gathering January March The Gathering is our mission for North Dallas Shared Ministries, an amazing organization that helps provide food, medical and dental care, clothing, and financial assistance to our most impoverished neighbors in north Dallas. Each quarter, our congregation will focus on a few items to donate to North Dallas Shared Ministries. As always, all food and clothing donations will be appreciated, but we will try to focus on these most needed items. NDSM cannot accept donations in glass containers. We would also like to provide bags for the families to use as they take their clothing and shoes home. NDSM is asking for department store bags, paper or plastic, preferably with handles (not regular grocery store bags, but bigger bags from stores like Dillard s). They will also take any reusable shopping bags. You can drop off food and bags in the plastic NDSM bins in the Sunday school rooms, by the desk in Family Hall, and in the narthex of the Sanctuary. January-March Baby Items: Baby food in plastic containers or pouches Pull ups (very needed!) Diapers (all sizes) Wipes Baby Cereal New Year s Tea January 12, :00 pm Family Hall Royal Lane s newest annual event New Year s Tea will be held Saturday, January 12, Come dressed in your finery hats (fascinators!), gloves, pearls. Polish those shoes and trip the light fantastic at an afternoon of fun and fellowship planned by our own Laura.

7 Deacons of the Week December 23 Ray Cox [940] Kelley Keith [214] December 30 Daryl Willey [214] Karen Simmons [214] January 6 Nancy Ferrell [214] Jeff Hammett [214] Midweek Services 6:15 p.m. Wednesday in Family Hall will resume January 9, 2019 Join us for a Fellowship Meal at 5:30 pm. In the Box-Hawkins Gallery Wreaths by Debi Wooten Gallery open by appointment 10-4, weekdays, 10-5 Wednesdays To change mail or preferences for The Mosaic, contact Barbara Merry, , ext. 10 or bmerry@royallane.org. Scriptures of the Week December 23 Micah 5:2-5a Luke 1:47-55 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45 December 30 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Psalm 148 Colossians 3:12-17 Luke 2:41-52 January 6 Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 Midweek Menu Wednesday, January 9 To be announced Midweek Meal Prices Adults - $7 per person Families - $15 per family Seniors - $5 per person Menu will be available on the RLBC website calendar. Open Midweek Family Dinner for details Happy Birthday! December Gillian Simeon Mike Hurder Nolan Meier Harold Harrison Michael Carter Jo Ferguson James Robinson Lindsey Washington JJ Berrier Amanda Gregg January Anthony Hatcher... 2 Matt Orwig... 2 Lou Ray... 2 Dottie Brashear... 4 William Henault... 4 Emma Watson... 4 Walter Idol... 8 Adam Simmons... 8

8 Royal Lane Baptist Church 6707 Royal Lane Dallas, Texas The Mosaic is published twice a month Royal Lane Baptist Church 6707 Royal Lane Office Hours: Dallas, TX Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday Midweek: 6:15 pm Office: [214] Sunday School: 9:45 am Fax: [214] Sunday Worship: 10:55 am Rosa Barrientos, Housekeeping Michael Gregg, Pastor Michael Hurder, Facilities Manager Laura Keller, Minister to Children Barbara Merry, Administrative Assistant Samuel Quesada, Video Technician Tim Schaefer, Minister to Youth Janet Schultz, Administrative Assistant Blake Vickrey, Sound Technician Ray Vickrey, Pastor Emeritus David Weigle, Organist Harry Wooten, Minister of Music and Worship