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How I got connected... The rewards of teaching include getting to know all the children and parents in class, sharing a new community of friends at church and growing your own spiritual life by helping children learn from stories and lessons written especially for them. Ilene’s experience teaching led her to help create a rotating curriculum for children’s Sunday school, which makes teaching easy for newcomers without a lot of advance preparation. Lessons include a warm-up activity like coloring, reading a Bible story and discussion. Consider signing up to teach a rotation this fall. Please contact Staci Pappas at 523-2260 or Debra Gray at 523-2226. There are also many other volunteer opportunities within the church and community. Call Connect & Serve at 523-2246 for ideas on how to use your gifts and talents to serve your church, community and God. “Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” Ephesians 6:4
After serving as a Naval Officer for 27 years, Bill was ready to retire – but not slow down. And while he’s constantly challenged by his golf game – he still wanted to be more productive and serve. So…….years ago when he heard Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity, speak at our church about the commitment HPUMC made to build 100 homes for Habitat in Dallas – it inspired him to become a regular volunteer. Initially, Bill felt like he was limited in his building skills – but was mentored by more accomplished volunteers that helped him along the way. Today – Bill is the Chair of the Carpenters for Christ committee and truly committed to his mission…..”This mission has strengthened my faith and allowed me to give back in a small way – plus, all of the people who volunteer at Habitat are a very diverse group – in background and talents – and have become some of my very best friends today”. Getting involved with Habitat has been full of lessons – but one of the greatest for Bill is “learning that we have so many great servants of Christ at HPUMC – who unselfishly give their time, talents and blessings to all its missions”, it’s not what he initially expected of a church this size – but something he considers a great blessing in his life.  Shane Read had a long-time desire to get involved with helping others, but never quite knew where or how to begin. He also thought by volunteering, he might set a good example for his children. Last year, through Great Days of Service, his family, along with about five other families, went to C.C. Young Retirement Center and spent the morning singing hymns to the residents. “The one thing I remember most was how extremely appreciative the residents were. The warm reception we received stayed with me” said Shane. The great experience gave him an idea…..to propose a similar hymn sing on a regular basis. While Shane claims his musical skills are modest – and feels completely undeserving of any mention, his gift has made a big difference. For the past year now, he has been going to C.C. Young twice a month to lead a hymn sing at the piano for about 25 residents.Shane’s story is proof that just a few hours of volunteering a month can make a real difference in other people’s lives, not to mention, his own. In closing, Shane adds… “For the residents, it is a chance to look forward to a social event after dinner and sing hymns. The music also brings back cherished memories at a time when some are facing a variety of challenges. For me, I have received much more than I have given. In addition, the horizons of my church community have broadened immensely. Thanks to this volunteer opportunity, I not only see God’s love at work in our church on Sunday but at work in a wonderful place such as C.C. Young”.
For some time now, the Sherberts have been ushers for the 11am Sanctuary Service. Their services sounds simple, yet their contribution helps many of us each week find an open seat, point us to a classroom, or simply welcome us with their friendly smiles. They shared with me that the experience helps them feel more a part of the church and through their service, have been able to meet many of the members. They also shared that serving has helped them to understand just how warm and caring our congregation is and feel a stronger foundation for living a Christian life. Again, simple acts of service that contribute greatly to our wonderful Church family.  Lee Foreland is another inspiring individual at our church. Years ago Lee attended a Singles Sunday School class – his intention was to visit, little did he know that over 10 years later, he would be a member, a regular in Sunday School, been on several Thanksgiving (and other) mission trips, serving meals at the Salvation Army, helping children with Aids, helping with construction projects for hospice, visiting elderly, and so on and so on. I asked Lee what he has learned from his service “I have learned that humility is a good thing. I also learned that I have a few gifts that seem helpful at times. I am more aware of what my Christian faith means and my faith has definitely been enriched. I also have learned that if I allow myself to depend on God, that God will usually surprise me in good ways – that I never expect”. We hope as you ponder ways to get more involved |
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3300 Mockingbird Lane Dallas, TX 75205 Telephone: 214.521.3111 © 2007 Highland Park United Methodist Church Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Got liveSite? |
How I got connected . . . by Jeanne Hawes
Bill Reeves (pictured far left) has been attending HPUMC for nine years now – and since 1999 has been sharing his gifts and talents by donating his time to Carpenters for Christ.
Van & Jill Sherbert have found that it is more fun to participate than to be observers – and feel more dedicated to their faith through their participation. 