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February 1, 2012, Volume 22, Number 5

Feature Article

HIS GLORY, MY REWARD
 
Now that the first month of 2012 has ended, our vision for this year is in full swing.  We are aggressively pursuing the first phase of that passion to reach sinners for Christ like never before in our church’s history.  Plans are finalizing, applications are processing, deadlines are approaching, and servant-leaders are emerging.
 
Capturing God’s heart for the lost is beginning to turn the focus of our church outward and upward, and I believe we will never be the same as a result of what God does, starting now.  In light of that, I want to recommend one of the most important Christian books you can ever read: Through Gates of Splendor, by Elizabeth Elliot, written in 1957.  It is her acclaimed account of the five American missionaries who gave their lives to reach the Auca Indians in eastern Equador.  Jim Elliot, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, Nate Saint, and Roger Youderian were lit on fire for God and for the lost, and gave themselves away in the ultimate sense, that this tribe would come to know and love the Christ who is a greater treasure than life itself.
 
The story of these men is the one that is still being told by men and women who have discovered this about Christ and His mission—His glory among the nations is our highest privilege to proclaim.  It is also, however, attached to a cost that Jesus said many would pay—the same price He paid: lifeblood.  On Sunday, Pastor Travis shared the story of a woman who became a short-term missionary to Jordan and Northern Iraq, and was killed.  You can read more about Karen Watson here: http://www.worldmag.com/articles/8684 but what stands out about the legacy of Karen is a testimony to the surpassing worth of Christ and the undying devotion we should have to offer Him the gift of rescued sinners, whatever the cost.  Why?  Because His glory is our greatest reward.  In tribute to Karen, and as an incentive for you to read about those who’ve gone before us, here are the words to that song, trusting that you will place them in your journal and make them the meditations of your heart.
 
His Glory My Reward
By James Tealy
(Written in tribute to Karen Watson and God’s grace)
 
Surrender always has a price
Commitment comes with sacrifice
But when God’s love gets through to us
We see the world through different eyes
 
And His glory is my reward
God’s glory is the only things I’m living for
To obey is my objective
My suffering is expected
My life is the Lord’s
His glory my reward
 
His voice is quiet but it’s clear
Calling me beyond my fear
To speak his name
To seek his face
That all might have the chance to hear
 
For him I’ll care more than seems wise
And I’ll risk more than some would advise
And I’ll dream what seems impossible
All things are possible with God
 

Ministry Calendar

Monday, February 6
NO  Scheduled Activities


Tuesday, February 7
6:30 a.m.  Men's Bible Study, Wieberdink's
6:30 p.m.  Biblical Exegesis A, Conference Room
8:00 p.m.  Systematic Theology 1, Conference Room


Wednesday, February 8
6:00-7:45 p.m.  Awana, Food Drive Continues
6:00-7:45 p.m.  IMPACT Student Ministries
6:00 p.m.  Systematic Theology 2, Conference Room


Thursday, February 9
2:00 p.m.  Prayer Cell
6:30 p.m.  Encountering the New Testament, Conference Room


Friday, February 10
6:00-9:00 p.m.  Live on 38th Street, Coffee, Chocolate & Words with Friends


Saturday, February 11
9:00 a.m.  Worship Team, Worship Center


Sunday, February 12
8:30 & 10:15 a.m.  Worship Services
8:30 & 10:15 a.m.  SBS FLOCKS
9:45-10:15 a.m.  Coffee Connection, Gathering Area
9:45-10:15 a.m.  Rocks Cry Out, Children's Choir, 1st-5th grade, Room B23
10:15-11:30 a.m.  IMPACT Student Ministries meeting for 7th-12th grade students



Encouragement Notes:

  • Thanks to the Lord, for the great teaching on Ps. 63 in our Sunday school FLOCKS group.
  • I am thankful for God’s sufficiency in my weakness and for Rachel for covering part of my class this morning.
  • Thank you, Carol and Mike, for all you do.  Congratulations on your 45th wedding anniversary!

Church Family Prayer

  • Pray for the Steven Allen Family.  Pray that the Lord will guard their hearts and re-unite them as a family and continue His work in Steven as a leader for Christ within his family. – Robert Wakefield
  • If you have a prayer request you would like the whole church body to be praying about, please note it on the back of your communication card with the letters HL and drop it in the offering.  Your request will be published in this section of the next Highlight.



Announcements

Party with the Pastors is planned for Sunday February 5th in the 38th Street Coffee at 11:45 a.m. following the Sunday service. Any person interested in better connecting with Highland Park Church is encouraged to attend this free luncheon. Party with the Pastors is a great step towards plugging in at Highland Park.  If you are investigating Highland Park or have recently decided to make Highland Park your church home, the PWTP is for you!
 
Father/Daughter Luncheon
Saturday, March 3rd
 
$10 per Father/Daughter Couple
$2 per additional Daughter
For Daughters between the ages of 4-12
Tickets go on sale February 5th.
We are in need of two and three tier dessert stands to be used as center pieces at the Father/Daughter Luncheon this spring.  Dessert stands may be donated, or loaned out for the day.  Please contact Rachel Menke if you have a dessert stand we can use.
 
We are also in need of helpers to work in the kitchen on the day before (March 2nd) and day of (March 3rd) the Father/Daughter Luncheon.  Helpers can sign up to work in four hour shifts by contacting Rachel Menke in the church office (564-5853 or rmenke@highlandparkministries.org).

Are You Looking for Something Sweet for Your Sweetie?
38th Street Coffee has various ideas from gift cards to personalized gift baskets.  Stop by and the baristas will help you to select the perfect Valentine for your loved one.



Events

Classics
February 3rd
11:30 a.m.
Valentino's
 
Speaker: Pastor Justin Erickson
Date: February 4th ~ 7:30-9:00 a.m.
Cost: $6 Per Person
 
Columbus Christian School’s
Annual Soup Supper
February 3, 2012
4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Please mark your calendar to attend the Columbus Christian School’s Annual Soup Supper on Friday, February 3rd from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. The School is located at 3418 15th St., Columbus, Nebraska. We will be serving yummy homemade soups and desserts and the cost of the meal is a “Freewill Offering.” We look forward to seeing you there!




Sympathies

Our sympathies are extended to Janice Ziegler upon the death of her brother, Gary, on Sunday, January 29, 2012. Services were held on Wednesday, February 1st, at the Monroe United Methodist Church.



Nursery Staff Schedule


Nursery Staff for February 5, 2012
First Service:
  Rick Running, Julie Running, Jill Pearson
Second Service:
 Roger Garbers, Peg Garbers, Mary Garbers



Awana

Hey Awana Gang…. This week, February 1st, we will begin a canned food drive for the Columbus Rescue Mission and will continue collecting items through the end of the month.  Besides canned and non-perishable items, the Mission is in need of laundry soap, liquid dish soap, paper products, and bleach.  This is a great opportunity to show the love of Christ to those in need within our community.

We have scheduled Leader Appreciation Night for February 22nd.  This a special evening for you to say "thanks" to your Awana Leaders for all of the hard work they do to make Awana a fun place to learn about our Lord, Jesus Christ!

On February 29th, we will have a "Space Night!"  This will be a fun evening to dress us as something related to space (an astronaut, space alien, planet, star, etc...).

Mrs. Eaton will continue to sell Grand Prix cars before and after club.  Even if you don't race, mark March 24th on your calendar and make plans to cheer for your favorite car! If you need help building your car, please contact Mrs. Eaton by February 15th.

The Bible Quiz for the T&T Clubbers is scheduled for February 18th in Norfolk.  Teams have been formed and the clubbers have begun to practice.  Please pray for our clubbers as they prepare to represent Highland Park at Quiz.

Mark your calendars for upcoming activities...
   
February 1st - Food Drive begins and continues through February 29th
   February 18th - Awana Quiz
   February 22nd - Leader Appreciation Night
   February 29th - Space Night

Attention Leaders….  Tonight, we will be handing out information for our Truth Scripts Memorization.  This year we will be memorizing Matthew 5:1-16.  Also, did you receive a mid-year survey?  Your participation is greatly valued for possible changes this year and for the planning of next year.  Your opinion matters so please return it as soon as possible!  If you did not receive a survey, please contact Cindy Eaton or Rachel Menke.