St. Philip Presbyterian Church

Hurst, Texas www.stphil.org

(817) 282-9181 (817) 282-6690 (fax)

Rev. Dr. Greg Garis, Pastor

Rev. Elizabeth Dick, Interim Assoc. Pastor

Rev. Dr. Charles Teykl, Parish Associate

VOL. 44 June 19, 2013 No. 26

Fourth of July Potluck

Fellowship and Games

Potluck Dinner from 6:30—7:30 p.m. in the

Fellowship Hall

Hot dogs & fixins’, chips, drinks provided.

Bring sides, salads, desserts, etc. to share.

Families with children and anyone interested can take part in activities at the Hurst

Community Park. There will be a children’s area with inflatables, a parade and bands.

Play Games with others, Mexican train, bridge, or bring a game of your choice

after dinner in the Fellowship Hall.

Watch Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on the west lawn - front-row view!

(bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on)

Come early to secure a parking spot in the church parking lot.

The general public will also be parking there.

No childcare provided.

To show the hospitality and care of St. Philip, the Evangelism Commit-

tee is

handing out water to those who sit on our church lawn for the 4th of July Fireworks.

If you would like to donate water and ice, please contact Cecile Lemmon at

crlemmon@att.net or 817-459-4133. Also needed are ice chests for the evening.

If you would like to help in handing out water, please talk to Cecile as well.

One worship Service in July at 10:00 AM.

The services throughout July will have a few fresh elements.

9:50 am Hymn Sing before Worship with an opportunity to sing your favorite hymn. Please use the pink slips and place your request in the offering plate. 10:00 am Morning Worship Communion on July 7 will be by intinction, with two stations, one on each side. Ushers will serve people unable to walk forward in their pews. The choir is on vacation in July, but Pam will lead our singing from the front. Prayers of the People will follow the offering. Help the pastors know what and whom to pray for each Sunday. Take a green slip in the Narthex and write your prayer request and drop the slip in the offering plate.

St. Philip Presbyterian Women JUNE

June 25 (Tuesday) 9:30 a.m. Lovies Fellowship Hall

JULY July 8 (Monday) 5:30 p.m. Life Circle Susan Riley’s home July 23 (Tuesday) 9:30 a.m. Lovies Fellowship Hall

We appreciate all of you who have participated in our activities this year. Thank You! Thank You! Circles will resume on September 10th. We hope you will choose to participate and we encourage you to invite a neighbor or a friend.

Enjoy your summer.

Note: Please continue to bring non-perishable food items (canned goods and dry goods) throughout the year and place them in the NEED bin on the Oak Terrace. Thank you.

St. Philip Honors Hurst Junior High Students and Teachers

On May 13, 2013, St. Philip hosted the 8th Annual Red Raider Reward Luncheon at Gaylord Texan, honoring 17 students and 3 adults chosen by Mrs. Lesli Guajardo, principal of Hurst Junior High. The pupils are

nominated by teachers for determination, helpfulness, good character and/or most improvement. These students were chosen from over 1000 kids attending Hurst Junior High. Pastor, Greg Garis, gave each student a handwritten note on a St. Philip card with a $5 McDonald's gift certificate enclosed. Students selected this year were: 7th Grade: Charlie, Mariah, Bedi, Austin, Axel and Jackie. 8th Grade: Sophia, Peeyal, Jordan, Javier and Susanna. 9th Grade: Leona, Alexander, Eloy, Jordyn, Nicole and Donyae. Adults attending were Vice-Principal, Paul Calvert, Stephon Weatherspoon, and Teacher of the Year, Lindsey Hanacik. Principal, Lesli Guajardo, commented that to continue this reward for achievement, excellence and determination is the one most important thing St. Philip can do for Hurst Junior High students. This is an example of your Alternative Christmas and Local Mission Market donations to Hurst Junior High at work. There is no budgeted money used for this annual occasion. If you would like to contribute to this, and other St. Philip Adopt-A-School activities, please note "#9035, Adopt-A-School" on your check made payable to St. Philip. The two St. Philip adopted schools are West Hurst Elementary and Hurst Junior High. Thank you, St. Philip, for all you do.

REMEMBER IN PRAYER FOR: Myrtie Wilhoyte, mother of Lynn Garis...CONTINUE IN PRAYER FOR: Janet and Dave Douglass…The Family of Audrey Lee…The Family of Gerry Hanley…The Family of Linda Bumgardner…The Family of Evelyn Seem…Jeannine Van Noy…McKenzie Turner…Vivian Burgoon…Jim Wood…Ted James…Leah Moore…Suzanne Coffee…Candace Levine…Madelyn Glass…Mike Bryan…Mary Jo Wood…Pat Carlson…Phyllis Caswell…Adam Crill…Bob Adam…Dick Rager…Kelly Frazure… Charles Erwin…Gary Goss…Johnny Wallace...Phil Fairhead...John Juengerman…Sharon Curry...Kay Bookout…Lidia McFarland…Ellis Rogers…Mertie Martin…Lu and Sarah Brewer…Elma Lee Mulkey…Brenda and Roy Petersen….Ben Cross…David Moore…Colby Steddum…Sally Starr…Marge Caswell…Juliet Toler…REMEMBER IN PRAYER THOSE IN THE MILITARY: Zach Saunders, Tom and Lynette Mercer’s son...John Calhoun Miller, Mac and Ruth Calhoun’s grandson and Elaine Stokes’ nephew…Matt Kiser and David Kiser, sons of Helene Kiser…Josh Peck, son of Sherri Siler…Jennifer Reynolds, daughter of Margaret Reynolds…Matt and Cosmo Romo, great-nephews of Liz Hailey…Andrew Norman, grandson of Stella and Bob Urban…Sarah Willett, granddaughter in law of Bob and Stella Urban…Ben Temple, grandson of Tal and Jaylon Buie…Korey Ray, brother of Lindsey Zimmer PRAYER FOR OUR FRIENDS FROM COOK CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER: Christian, 1 month old, healing of his heart; Estavan, 2 months old, strength and healing; Guadalupe, 12 years old, Anemia; Jameson, 2 months old, heal kidneys & lungs; John, 3 weeks old, successful surgery; Joseph, 3 months old, seizures; Josie, 2 weeks old, to grow strong; Mitchell, 5 years old, speedy recovery; Noah, 2 months old, Pertussis; Sophia, 1 year old, to grow strong… FOR THE FOLLOWING RECIPIENTS OF ST. PHILIP FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN MAY: Crystal, Lakisha, Wagdi, Dorothy, Jennifer, Jackie, Juanita, Rebecca, Sherrie, Lisa, Abdul, Katina, and Stephanie

ST. PHILIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 745 W PIPELINE ROAD HURST, TEXAS 76053-4999 JUNE 19, 2013

SUNDAY AT ST. PHILIP: 8:30 SERVICE: 67; 11:00 SERVICE: 164; TOTAL: 231

FIRST-TIME VISITORS: RAYMOND WATANGA, SARA CLOUD AND JUNE BECKWORTH RETURNING VISITORS: ROBERT MCGEE, FISKE HANLEY II, THOMAS, IRENE, AFUA AND K.B. FREMPONG, MELE ITAAEHAU, CHARLES CLAYTON, LAYNA STEWARD, LINDY RAVEN, SHARON HARRIS, MATT URBAN, JOHN URBAN AND KODJO BESSAN OUT OF TOWN VISITORS: JANIS AND PEGGY ALDING, JOHNSON CITY, TX, MICHAEL NICOL, HOUSTON, TX

SUNDAY, JUNE 23 8:30 a.m. Worship Sanctuary 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship Sanctuary 6:45 p.m. Footprints Service Fellowship Hall MONDAY, JUNE 24 6:30 p.m. APNC Room A TUESDAY, JUNE 25 9:30 a.m. Lovies Fellowship Hall WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26 6:15 p.m. Grief Support Parlor 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Choir Room THURSDAY, JUNE 27 6:00 p.m. Legal Aid Fellowship Hall 6:30 p.m. Eagle Scouts Board CE Wing FRIDAY, JUNE 28 8:45 a.m. TOPS Fellowship Hall SATURDAY, JUNE 29 SUNDAY, JUNE 30 8:30 a.m. Worship Sanctuary 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship Sanctuary 4:00 p.m. Evangelism Com. Parlor

A Year with the Bible gathering will not meet July 7 and August 4

Will resume September 1st

The FOOTPRINTS Service for the

month of July will be Sunday, July 28th 6:45 p.m. Fellowship Hall

Financial Report

. May Year to date Income $47,385.59 $248,561.97 Expenses $43,255.53 $218,394.52 $ 4,130.06 $ 30,167.45

Please continue to give generously to support ministry at St. Philip.

The Chancel Choir will be on vacation during the month of July. They will begin rehearsals again on Wednesday, July 31st.

June

23-28 Sr. High Celebration Mo Ranch SrH & Sponsors

30-7/4 Jr. High Jubilee Mo Ranch JrH & Sponsors

July

7 5:30 Pizza and Tie Die Youth Hall JrH, SrH & Sponsors

Thanks for everyone who has signed up to volunteer! There are still lots of opportunities for you to have fun with the Youth and chil-dren of the church. There are 3 sign-up sheets on the Oak Terrace. You can sign up to help with Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, and VBS. Please sign up to help teach and nurture YOUR kids. Let us know if you have any questions about the opportunities.

TLC—Sr. High 6/9—6/14

Brian Laura Gatch

Sr. High Celebration: 6/23 – 6/28

Marissa Andrade, Burtton Corbin, Brian Ellis, Laura Gatch,

Alison Hardy, McKenzie Turner, and Audrey Whitehead

Jr. High Jubilee: 6/30 – 7/4

Lauren Andrade, Cole Garis, Molly Hunter, Julia MacLeod,

Jylian Reighard and Lindsey Zimmer

Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to go as a Sponsor with the Youth to these camps. We are so blessed to have you! Jean Gatch—TLC Courtney Mullins & Glenn Mullins—Sr, High Celebration Tom Mercer & Donna MacLeod—Jr. High Jubilee

June 14 Alison Hardy

Friday at Phil’s

8:00 PM in the Youth Hall

Second Friday of Each Month

The Walla Recovery (http://thewallarecovery.com/)

Interim (http://interimband.bandcamp.com/)

will be the opening act

Friday, July 12th

Friday at Phil's is a ministry of St. Philip Presbyterian Church.

We provide a stage for upcoming and established artists looking to share their songs and stories. Come as you are and join us for music,

community, and free coffee on the second Friday of every month.

Spread the word, invite your friends

Refreshments will be served

FREE – ($10.00 suggested donation)

CELL PHONE DRIVE

Hundreds of dollars can be raised for the St. Philip Youth by a simple donation…… Old cell phones, laptops, printer cartridges, or similar electronic items. Please take the time to fill up the box in the Oak Terrace or the Youth Hallway with your donation.

St. Philip’s Children’s Ministry program needs volunteers! The Elementary Sunday School program needs teachers! The Pre-School Sunday School program needs teachers and shepherds! The Church Nursery needs volunteer substitutes! The Children’s Church program needs teachers and shepherds! If you are interested in helping out or would like some more information about teaching, please contact the Church Office. We need teachers for: Preschool Sunday School We need interested volunteers to spend time with our Preschool Sunday School class (ages 2 to 4) and to help them learn more about God’s Love. Church Nursery St. Philip needs a pool of church member volunteers who are willing to spend an hour or two in the church nursery when one of our paid childcare workers can’t work. Children’s Church The Children’s Church program (which occurs during the 11 o’clock service) needs a teacher for 1st Sunday of the month and a shepherd for 2nd Sunday of the month.

For more information about monthly activities for

families with children, please see the FEET

bulletin board in the CE Hallway.

June 1 Ryan Stark June 14 Isabella Lininger

In June St. Philip celebrates the baptismal birthdays of:

June 19 Jacob Joyce

The CE Committee has decided to suspend Children's Sunday School during the month of July.

We are having only the one church service during the month at 10:00 a.m. and that would mean the children would have to be here at 8:45 a.m. if we were having Sunday School. We are also suspending Children's Worship for that month and the children can put into practice what they have been learning in their Worship Readiness classes this month.

Everywhere Fun Fair VBS 2013

August 5-8

Fun from 6:00-8:30pm

St. Philip’s Vacation Bible School program is

August 5th to 8th and is offered to children

3 years to completed 5th grade.

We serve dinner each night at 5:30pm

and the VBS fun is from 6-8:30pm.

2013 Vacation Bible School! Everywhere Fun Fair

Monday August 5th —Thursday August 8th 5:30 Family Supper—8:30 Dismissal

TIME TO REGISTER! For children 3 years—5th grade. Please register at: http://2013.cokesburyvbs.com/stphilippresbyterian Or complete the following form and drop it in the collection plate or take it to the Church Office. Child’s Name:___________________________________ Date of Birth:_______ Age: ____ Grade Completed: ____

Special Needs/Allergies: _________________________________________________________________________________

Child’s Name:___________________________________ Date of Birth:_______ Age: ____ Grade Completed: ____

Special Needs/Allergies: _________________________________________________________________________________

Child’s Name:___________________________________ Date of Birth:_______ Age: ____ Grade Completed: ____

Special Needs/Allergies: _________________________________________________________________________________

Parent’s Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: ______________________________________ Cell Phone: _________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact Name: ______________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: ______________________________________ Cell Phone: _________________________________________

Person Responsible for Pick-Up After VBS: _________________________________________________________________

Cell Phone: _______________________________________ Relationship to Child(ren):____________________________

Please select a security password to be used to pick up your child(ren) each evening: _______________________________

Church Affiliation: _______________________________________Home Church: __________________________________

How did you hear about St. Philip’s VBS program? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Children are placed in groups based on their age/grade level. If you would like your child to be in the same group as

another child, please indicate that here. We will make a reasonable attempt at fulfilling this request.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Photo Release: In exchange for consideration received, I hereby give permission to St. Philip and any photographer

working on SPPC's behalf to use my child's name and photographic likeness in all forms and media use in its website, in

any publication or bulletin board and for any other lawful purposes. Please indicate by checking □ Yes or □ No.

Register now for the

2013-2014 School Year!!

For more info:

www.stphil/org/preschool

817-282-0557

Note of the Week……………… What a nice thing to wake up to today—rain! We never seem to have enough of it, and even though it is inconvenient at times, we need it! My husband, Bob grows tomatoes, and he has harvested

over 100 cherry tomatoes and a half a dozen large ones. I’m sure this is due in part to the lovely rain! Thank you God for everything you have given us as the rain renews the land and our grateful spirits! I hope you had a wonderful Father’s Day! It was nice to meet some of the fathers that came with their adult member children in church yesterday! My husband and I celebrated the day in the backyard of one of our sons, and it was great to see all four grandchildren playing with their fathers in the swimming pool learn-ing, respecting and loving every moment with them. I think it is that same relationship we need and search for in God, our heavenly Father. Elizabeth said it well in her sermon yesterday—“listen.” Be still and listen. What is God telling you to do? This Sunday the Chancel Choir will be singing that very familiar tune, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” It is set to a lovely arrangement by Mark Hayes. This hymn achieved great popularity through its use in the Billy Graham Crusades in the early 1950’s. Some of the words are: Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my father, there is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; as Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. See you in church on Sunday.

Joyfully Singing in Christ, Pam Cochrane

Thank You!

Notes from Elizabeth – Dear Friends, As the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee proceeds with its work, my prayers and support are with you all in this exciting time at St. Philip. Many folks have asked me whether I am applying for the position as your installed Associate Pastor. I have known that St. Philip is a great church from the time I first became ac-quainted with you. I came here as an interim, however, and I feel firm in my call as your associate in transition. I know the APNC is working hard to hear God calling just the right person for the posi-tion. Our experiences and our Scriptures remind us that we are loved by a faithful and just God, who holds our future in His hand. Keep praying for the APNC, their families, and your church staff! Thank you for supporting good self-care for all the staff at St. Philip. I am looking forward to two weeks away with my family in June as we go to our bi-annual beach trip off of the coast of South Carolina. I hope each of you has a blessed time of re-creation and renewal in this season of summer we are step-ping into. Grace and peace, Elizabeth

Welcome new Interim DCE Jennifer Friedel

Jennifer Friedel will join the staff of St. Philip beginning on June 19th.

Her responsibilities include helping to organize and resource our Church’s

education programs, with an emphasis on children and youth, as well as to train

church members for the task of teaching and leading Christian Education programs

for children and youth. Jennifer will be working 20 hours per week and but she plans on being in the church

office on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Austin College and has done some graduate study in

counseling psychology from University of North Texas, in Denton. She has taken courses in religious

education, theology and biblical interpretation from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin TX.

Jennifer has served as an Interim Director of Christian Education in three different churches; North Park

Presbyterian Church in Dallas, First Presbyterian Church in Mesquite and Eastminster Presbyterian Church

in Dallas. Jennifer calls her home church Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church and served as the Assistant

Director of Children’s Ministry for about 8 years. Jennifer has a variety of Church experience including

serving as Ruling Elder on Session and she has served on a Pastor Nominating Committee.

She grew up as a Pastor’s Kid (Presbyterian) and currently lives in the Highland Lakes area of Dallas with

her husband and son.

Please welcome Jennifer to the St. Philip family.

Thank you for all of the cards, messages, and prayers for my family upon the death of my mother Audrey Lee. The support of the congregation and Greg’s presence at her service meant so much to me. Sincerely, Sheryl Taylor and family

**************************************************************************************** To our St. Philip Church Friends, The family of Charlie Wied would like to express our sincere gratitude for the support shown to us during his long illness and death. To all of you who attended the viewing or memorial, brought food, flowers, or sent cards, gave a memorial in his name or provided kind words and prayers, we truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and love. Thanks to all of you God Bless, Bobbie and Family

Mariners Pot Luck and Games

Saturday, July 20th 6:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall All ages are welcome and encouraged to come!

Mariners is a social group meeting the third Saturday of each month. (Activities vary)

This month we will have a pot luck dinner and games in the Fellowship Hall, July 20th at 6:00 p.m.

Bridge and Mexican Train will be played and all games are welcome.

Bring a dish and a game to share. Join us!

LIBRARY NEWS – Event

CHILDREN Come join us in the LIBRARY for

A SPECIAL 5th SUNDAY PROGRAM June 30, 2013

Grades K – 5th

9:45– 10:45 a.m.

Oh Boy, School is out for the summer! Well, come to the Library and hear the unusual story, That Book Woman by Heather Henson. We’ll learn about a young family who lived an isolated life in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia and how they were visited monthly by the Book Woman who, by horseback, over mountain trails, delivered books to all the families who could not get into town. This woman delivered her treasures even in snow and rain just because she loved books and wanted everyone to have the opportunity to read. These ladies were called “Pack-Horse Librarians” and they delivered books and magazines, they helped some folks learn to read, and even took time to read to those who could not read. It was often a dangerous journey but the Pack-Horse Librarians were dedicated to their cause. Come join us and learn how one of these visits changed a young boy’s life.

Do you like to read during the Summer? Do you like visiting your neighborhood library? What are your favorite subjects to read about? Did you know that St. Philip Library also lends books that you might enjoy? We’ll have a special table of books ready for you to browse.

Craft:

Following our story, we’ll be making summer journals. You’ll assemble and decorate the journal cover and pages. You’ll decide what information you want to keep inside. Maybe you’ll want to record books you’ve read over summer vacation! * Maybe when you are done filling your journal you will hide it away and find it a few years later and see what you did in the summer of 2013!

Scripture: Acts 8:27-31

In this scripture God tells Philip to join an Ethiopian who is sitting in his chariot reading the Prophet Isaiah. Philip joins the Ethiopian and asks him if he understands what he is reading. The Ethiopian replies, “How can I, unless someone guides me?”

SONGS * STORY * DISCUSSION * CRAFTING

Come check us out!

Evangelism News Bulletin

JULY BIRTHDAYS

1 Emily Mares 2 Loretta Mesteller 2 Cyndi Whiteman 3 Alice Hallberg 3 Marie Stark 4 Janice Whitwell 4 Janet Travis 5 Ann Simmons 6 Audrey Calaty 7 Bernie Petty 7 Bonnie Brockway 10 Julie Starr 11 Brian Ellis 13 Finley Dale 14 Rick Patterson 14 Steve Belknap 15 Lynette Belknap 15 Julia MacLeod 18 Pat Collins 18 Ryan Lininger 19 Dick Rager 19 Robert Lemmon 20 Mary Ann Johnson 20 Kofi Adzaku 20 Ruth Poff 21 Beverly Cox 21 Linda Sprinkel 22 Michael Gatch 23 Joy Wallace 23 Mary Jo Shaunty 23 Mary Gyarfas 24 Christian Senagbe 26 Randee Teykl 26 Tony Menzie 26 Rosemary Zimmer 26 Corissa Menegay-Trevino 28 Carolyn Churchwell 28 Vivian Adzaku 28 Elaine Stokes 29 Wendy Thompson 29 Betty Little 29 Fred Barney 29 Juliet Toler 31 Gloria Carrier 31 Randy Luper

The Church Office will be closed for the 4th of July

WHAT A WALK WE HAD!! On Saturday, June 15th, the evangelism committee had another neighborhood walk. We consider it very successful as we had help for this walk from some members of the congregation. They were: Nancy Daffern, Rick Patterson, Godwin Senagbe and Charles Teykl. And we thank them very much for their willingness to help with the walk. The evangelism committee members who walked were: Christian Senagbe, Robert and Wendy Thompson, Bitsie and Randy Welch and Robert and Cecile Lemmon. We were able to cover 3 streets and 1 apartment complex. SPPC flyers as well as VBS flyers were handed out. We also invited folks to the concert on Saturday. The weather was nice--not too hot and cloudy! So, we also thank those who prayed for the weather and the successful outcome of the walk. Again----a special thanks for those who walked with us. Sincerely, The Evangelism Committee

We are looking for two or three folks to join the

Building and Grounds Committee!

The church building and grounds are managed and maintained through

two tightly connected groups. The first is the Building and Grounds

Committee. This group monitors the status of our building and

grounds, plans maintenance and upkeep, and oversees the maintenance

and upkeep that is performed. The second is a group of church

members, who actually perform work and maintenance on the building

and grounds.

We need individuals to join the Committee - to help plan and

oversee. We are looking for folks with interest and aptitude in building

maintenance and outdoor grounds maintenance.

If you think you are interested, please send an email to

admin@stphil.org.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Woman and Child in Pibor, South Sudan,

Photo courtesy of www.readers-edition.de

Sometimes in life, God blesses you with understanding in the

looking back. Many years ago, I remember, working in a hot warehouse in the middle of summer in Texas, and wiping my brow in

the sleeve of my shirt and thinking “What the heck am I doing here”? Today, as I wiped my brow in the hot summer sun, pulling

tape across another box, I remembered that day and I knew.

God was preparing me to work with a great team of people in Juba, South Sudan. That day, long ago, when I

had no clue why I was learning to pack boxes efficiently and to tape them securely, that God was preparing

me to prepare hygiene and safe motherhood care packages that will be delivered to over 600 women in Pibor,

South Sudan.

These packages are prepared by people, like you, in the US to be distributed to people you will

probably never know or meet. I can see your faces… I’ve prepared “few” as part of mission projects across

the years through Sunday School, Girl Scouts, women’s groups and other groups I have been blessed

to be a part of. I remember the laughter, fun and fellowship we shared as we worked together to as-

semble the gifts we had brought and showing off our contributions as we ohhhed and aaahhhed over

the cute baby things we had found. But never, in my wildest dreams, did I expect to be a part of dis-

tributing those gifts.

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined myself knowing the people who have been

affected by the tragedy that precipitated their need for the project. I couldn’t feel their pain, their

agony, their despair, their uncertainty about the future.

Never in my wildest dreams could I have pictured the joy that such a simple gift, to us, can bring to someone who

has lost everything, including family, friends, loved ones and home. An appeal went out to the NGO’s (non-

government organizations) working in South Sudan for help; more than 600 women, not counting the children

that are with them lost, everything in the recent fighting in Pibor, South Sudan. The same fighting that has pre-

vented me from returning to Akobo, and fellow mission co-worker Nancy McGuaghey, who was assigned to Pi-

bor, and also lost everything, from returning to our place of assignment. The appeal went out and one of our part-

ners, IMA World Health, responded by assigning staff – fellow packers – Phillip and Isaac, and recruiting volunteers – me – as I

showed up to ask a question, just as they were beginning to pack the boxes .

“Partnership” is an elusive word that we use frequently in PCUSA World Mission. I know what it means

– we work together with the churches, organization and people we serve. I have read the 2003 General

Assembly Policy Statement that says in part, “The discipline of partnership assumes that mission can best

be done by joining hands with those who share a common vision. Partnership in mission involves two or

more organizations who agree to submit themselves to a common task or goal, mutually giving and

receiving and surrounded by prayer so that God's work can be more faithfully accomplished. ”1 But what

does that really mean to you, to me, to the person who recently lost everything in the tornados that have

been ravishing our country this spring or to the 600+ women of Pibor County, in Jonglei State, in South

Sudan?

Today “partnership” became more than an elusive word. It became real. It is the joy, laughter and fellowship of people working

together on a common mission project for people they will probably never know or meet. It is the packages that are assembled

and collected in the main warehouse of Church World Services in the USA where more people come together to assemble those

packages into boxes that are shipped all over the world and stored in places like IMA World Health in Juba, South Sudan.

“Partnership” is working side by side – a PCUSA Mission Co-Worker who was supposed to be somewhere

else today and “National Workers” (native South Sudanese) working in the hot sun to prepare the boxes.

“Partnership” is the truck driver who loaded this afternoon and left when the “Plumpy’nut” – a nutritional

supplement for the malnourished - didn’t arrived in time, but returned thirty minutes later, when it did

arrive, and is waiting until tomorrow to leave so that it could be loaded. “Partnership” is the South Sudan

Ministry of Health working thorough the indigenous organizations and the county health departments in

Upper Nile and Jonglei states to distribute those packages. And, finally, partnership is the women and

children who will receive the gift of a simple bar of soap, a hand towel, a comb, toothbrush, and a pair of

nail clippers that are packed in each hygiene kit, or the basic necessities to provide care for a baby who is

born into the areas with the highest infant mortality rates in the world.

And so, the next time I wipe my brow in the hot sun and wonder “why am I doing this?” or wonder why

my flight was delayed because on the “4th day” He said, “Let there be rain” 2, I will know, God has a plan for each of us, no matter

where we are, no matter what we are doing, we will never know, until that moment we stop to wipe our brow look back.

Peace be with you my friends,

Sharon

1 http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/global/mission-partnership/ 2 Thursday, June 6: Up early and out the door, bags and boxes loaded in the van and we were off to the airport. Once there, I found

out where to go and went in. It was a grand reunion as I met some old friends on their way to another place. Grand that is until they

dropped the bomb - my flight was cancelled. I didn't want to believe them so I headed for the counter where I am sure three men had

watched my disbelief as they laughed when I came up to ask. NO. They are not flying. YES the flight is canceled. The

conversation went something like this...Me: "Are you sure"? them: "Yes, really! We are sure". Me: "When will you fly

again" them "In four days from when it stops raining". Me: Are you sure? Them: Yes, maybe four days, maybe next month.

It is rainy season." Me: What shall I do. Them: You shall wait. Monday, June 10: Message from Akobo: “It has been raining

since yesterday, as I told you, that I will let you know” Tuesday, June 11: Message from Juba: “As I told you, they will go there (to

Akobo) but it rained yesterday so the flight was cancelled.”

And on the 4th day He said, “let there be rain”….

The Journey Never in My Wildest Dreams…

Sharon Curry, Community Health Evangelism Facilitator South Sudan

To learn how to help with

hygiene or baby kits go to

http://www.pcusa.org/

resource/pda-gift-heart-kits-

content-list/

So they signaled their partners in the other boat to

come and help them, and they came and filled both

boats so full that they began to sink. Luke 5:7

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS May 19, 2013 The following items were approved at the May Stated meeting: A Minute for Mission from Finance Committee to inform the congregation about Wills Emphasis Sunday,

the Beardsley gift to St. Philip, and a financial update through May. Selling Teddy Bears for Cook Children’s Hospital in honor of Father’s Day. Bears will be sold on the Oak

Terrace on June 9 and 16, 2013, for $2.00 each. A Minute for Mission on June 17, 2013, for the check-up phone call program. Two PDO/Preschool fundraisers: One for “Breakfast with Santa” on a Saturday to be determined, and the

other a Supply Drive at the start of the new school year seeking donations of most used/needed supplies from church members and friends.

A Minute for Mission on May 26, 2013, by Youth and Families, along with use of the Oak Terrace to display posters to recruit sponsors for summer camps and conferences.

Sending a Certificate of Transfer for Bridget (Biddy) Bothwell to First Presbyterian Church, Fort Collins, CO. Inviting Holly Moiri, Senior Development Officer for Presbyterian Communities and Services, to give a

Minute for Mission on June 16 or 23, 2013. No special offering will be taken at that time, but inserts will be put in the bulletins.

Appointing the current Deacons to continue their commissions until January 5, 2014. Recommending to the congregation that we establish a Board of Deacons, that members elected to serve

two-year terms will be instructed, examined, installed and ordained to the office of Deacon in accordance with the Book of Order, and that the bylaws of St. Philip will be changed accordingly.

Allowing Josh Flores, an Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 324, to install guttering and a drain to address water run-off from the CE building roof to the playground. St. Philip will pay for the guttering and Bob Urban will serve as liaison with Josh on the project.

Allowing Josh to hold a car-wash fundraiser on our grounds in a Saturday (TBD) in July. The following motions were approved during Lent at Called Meetings: Publishing the newsletter once a month during the third week of the month for all months except November

and December, when it will be published during the second week. New members will be visited by an elder and given a welcoming packet. Also, that the visiting elder will write

bio information after the visit. Resuming the Friday at Phil’s concerts once a month starting in March Using $2600.00 from Foundation Funds to continue for another year the welcoming music played in the

Fellowship Hall before the 11:00 AM worship service. Receiving a gift of $143,000 from the estate of John Beardsley, a member in the late 1980’s. The gift will be

used for 1.) Ten percent going to Mission Outreach, 2) funding replacement of the Sanctuary air conditioning system and 3.) placing the remainder in a restricted fund for “wish list items”.

The job description for the Parish Associate The job description for the part-time DCE position The job description for a part-time administrative assistant and asking Personnel to start the search, with close

participation by Greg Garis and Mitzi Cimino. Holding one joint worship service at 10:00 am during Sunday mornings in the month of July. Having Ruling Elders currently serving on Session serve Communion on the first Sunday of each month and

on other special liturgical Sundays at the 11:00 am worship service. If a particular Ruling Elder is not availa-ble, he or she shall find his/her own replacement.

If you have any questions regarding these actions, feel free to ask any Session member.

A Big Thank You to all who helped make the All Church Potluck Salad Supper “Honoring Parents” such a success.

Thank you to Daphene Flagg and Bama Rager who planned and organized this event and to the crew that helped them: Pat Collins, Beverly Dobesh, Herb Flagg, Robert Lemmon, Cecile Lemmon and Hal Shane. We couldn’t have done this event without our wonderful volunteers or without the help of the Boy Scouts setting up all the tables and chairs. And, how could we have done this event without the musical talents of St. Philip under the direction of Pam Cochrane.

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS JUNE 16, 2013 Session ratified several e-mail votes: Boy Scout Troup 324 will be using the sanctuary and Fellowship Hall for a Court of Honor on Sunday, June 9, 2013, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Eagle Scout candidate, Quinton Thompson, will use St. Philip space (Fellowship Hall and up to four

classrooms) to conduct a blood drive from 8:30 am until 4:00 pm on Sunday, July 28, 2013. Evangelism will conduct another neighborhood walk on June 15, 2013, beginning at 9:30 a.m., and to give a

minute for mission on June 9, 2013, at both services to promote the walk. We will distribute bottles of water to those who gather on the church lawn for the July 4th fireworks. Church

members and friends will be asked to donate water, ice, and ice chests, and to volunteer to give out the bottles. Session elected: Sherri Siler and Sharon Curry as Commissioners to the July 13, 2013, Presbytery meeting at First, Tyler. Cindy

Burt and Rick Peters were elected as Alternates. Cindy Burt and Dina Ferreira to serve on the congregational Nominating Committee, with Cindy serving as

chair. Session approved: The Sacrament of Baptism of Vera Bobek, daughter of Alissa(Lucas) and Quinn Bobek, at the 11:00 am

worship service on June 30, 2013. A church-wide congregational study of the book, “The Art of Neighboring.” Greg plans a 4-week sermon

series on the book beginning September 8, 2013. The Evangelism committee members are reading the book and will be resource people. The plan is to have 30-minute conversations about this book after both worship services on Sept. 8, 15, 22, & 29. The Evangelism committee, and interested Session members, will discuss the book at a two-week study in August (Dates TBA).

Cancelation of our regular July Session meeting. Spending up to $5000.00 to purchase a fire-resistant file cabinet in which to store documents requiring

protection. Restoring $12,500.00 in funding to Grace Presbytery that had been cut during budget discussions. Monies will

come from the Beardslee gift. Removing some outdated items from the Library. Items include a desk-top computer, accompanying

computer monitor and printer, computer desk and chair, and overhead protector. Ruling elders currently serving on Session will be greeters on the first Sunday of each month for the 11:00 a.m.

service. If you have any questions regarding these actions, feel free to ask any Session member.

Parish Health Ministry

Next Blood Pressure and Health

consultation date is

July 14th 12:00 p.m.

Bonnie Skodak and Donna Koenig nurse@stphil.org

We can be contacted through

the church office.

N.E.E.D

This month the following requests have been made:

Canned Misc. Meats Peanut Butter Mustard/Ketchup Hamburger/Chicken Helper Dish Soap Deodorant/Toothpaste/Disposable Razors Liquid Lysol Thank you for your continued support,

Mission Outreach