Basin and the Towel
Highland Heights Christian Church
KENYA MISSION TRIP Fundraising Events Begin!
The Parking Lot Palooza on June 28th was the first of several fundraising Events that are planned this year for the Kenya Mission Trip.
A group of, at least four members of HHCC, is planning a Mission Trip to Kenya to visit Pastor Jared’s Church. Pastor Jared and his wife Grace first contacted Pastor Patrick during the covid shut down. HHCC has been partnering with their church ever since. The Kenya church is one of the missions supported in our annual budget. Their Church has grown and now includes an orphanage.
Upcoming Events:
August 2—HHCC Car Wash
September 20th—Bingo and Dessert Raffle
October 4th—Harvest Festival (shirts)
November 22nd—Quartermania and Chili Feed
More details will be forthcoming!
Got Questions?
Want to help with the Kenya Mission Trip?
Contact us:
Brenda Edwards, 785-224-7502
Kay Adkins, 785-249-5960
Kristy Larson, 785-633-3310
Lori Flippin, 785-250-8366
Marlena Hasenkamp, 785-230-9246
Stacey Boos, 785-221-9349
Tara Cox, 785-230-1275
Vickie Hasenkamp, 785-379-5654
Beginning Now!
Inside this issue:
Kenya Trip
1
JOCCC, VBS
2
Pastor Patrick
3,4
KOW, TRIBE
5
HHCC T-Shirts
Discovery Class
6
Mission and Events
7,8,9
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Basin and the Towel
Summer is in full swing and before you know it, it will be time for school to start! We are enjoying Splash Days and as much outside time as Mother Nature will allow us to have! In July we have one of my favorite family events, our Fourth of July Parade and Party! So much fun and tons of Red, White and Blue.
Then we will wind down the summer and say a final goodbye to the families that will be leaving for kindergarten. Those are the most bittersweet goodbye because we are super proud of the kids and can’t wait to see them go off to kindergarten but SO sad to have to say goodbye.
Thank you for all the prayers that we receive from everyone! It is such a blessing to know that we have a congregation of people praying for us and supporting us!
In His Service,
Chellie Garlock
Jars of Clay Children’s Center Program Director
VBS REPORT
What an exciting week it has been! Thanks for all the many prayers and many volunteers that made VBS 2025 a huge success! Our theme this year was "Wonder Junction---Marvel at Jesus, Live for His Glory." Each day we studied a wonder of Jesus: The Wonder of His Birth, The Wonder of His Childhood, The Wonder of His Ministry Years, The Wonder of His Death and Resurrection, and The Wonder of His Return. We had as many as 52 children nightly!
Our mission project this year was to collect non-perishable items that would be suitable in a sack lunch. These donations will be given to the Alpha Christian Children's Home, located in Perry, KS. Children that are eligible to go to Alpha are those being raised by grandparents who no longer are able to provide the level of care needed, children who have been abused, neglected, orphaned, or homeless. Also, children needing a safe place to stay during a parent's military service or deployment are welcome there.
Jacque Gilbert
Children’s Director
Pastor
Patrick D. Garlock
785 379-5642
Council Officers:
Scarlett Madinger
785 273-3735
Don Christian
785 969-4819
Beverly Renner
785 806-7702
Items for the “Basin and the Towel” should be given to Nancy Christian or Jackie Gardner, by the third Sunday of every other month. All items are subject to approval and may be edited.
Direct questions to Jackie,
785 379-5642. Articles may be sent by e-mail to: hhcc@highlandheightscc.com
Elders:
Ricardo Bonner
785 640-6470
Curtis Current
785 845-3320
Guy Gardner
785 836-3242
John Johnson
785 806-2402
2930 SE Tecumseh Rd.
Tecumseh, KS 66542
785/379-5642
785/379-5648 (fax)
Jackie Gardner, Secretary
HHCC office hours are 9:00 AM—1:00 PM
Monday through Friday
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VOLUME 25 NUMBER 3
PERPETUAL PONDERINGS BY PASTOR PATRICK PATRICK
Seasons
I don’t know that I would have ever fully understood one thing about being an overseer of a church, until I experienced it. No matter how many people warned me or encouraged me or in the very least, gave me a heads up about it, I could never imagine the different places folks are in their walks with Jesus. Faith walks can be multi-faceted. Each follower of Christ, presently, is at a different place with their faith, understanding, trust and expressiveness about where they are in their sanctification.
I like to call these seasons. Each member of the body that any pastor has, is going through, was going through, or will be going through their own seasons. And these moments when we are needed the most. Whether it’s during or after. Or even at the onset of getting to know them! And this is because God has placed them in the Pastors care, right for this very moment.
What an enormous gift (and challenge), that each believing pastor has on their hands.
However, I do believe that this is not just for the pastors and elders of the biblically sound churches around the globe. I believe this is for the body of believers that are active participants in the work that the body is doing. Individually, and collectively. Let me explain…
“...the body of believers are active participants in the work that the body is doing.”
What I mean by this is, Let’s say three people walk into your church next Sunday. Let’s give them names. Tina, Roberto & Maria (counted as one), and Reggie. All three are greeted and welcomed. This should be the norm of every church. And let’s say they are involved in some coversations with a few folks within the church, after service.
Tina was going to a Methodist Church, where they had a female pastor and have been preaching about inclusivity of the gay community, almost non-stop. Tina was wrestling with this, however, figured this was a biblical viewpoint. She only left because the (not)-pastor, Margaret, was short with Tina a few times too many, for no reason, and so Tina walks into your church. Roberto and Maria have a Catholic background, but haven’t been to church for a while and they just moved in a few houses down. Figured they would try it out. And finally, Reggie. He was going to a Pentecostal church mid-town. Reggie does not even live nearby, but he caught an older sermon that piqued his attention, and decided to attend.
(Continued on Page 4)
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Now, all three of these fictitious scenarios are not far from a true semblance of what we see coming into any congregation. The question is, how are we to address their state; or their season? Well, that’s something we need to be prepared for. First of all, we need to begin by welcoming and if possible, engaging them. Listen to them. We don’t need to tell them how amazing our church is, because our actions and our tone is going to be shine the light that we are, no matter what. If they feel fed, and led to come back – then the engagement is going to increase. And it won’t take long for them to feel as though the church gathering on Sunday was a perfect example of true worship. From the teaching, to the praise time, to the communion with Christ, to the fellowship. All of this is what we should be doing… and if they want to be engaged, then the Holy Spirit will provide that to us.
If we are humbling ourselves before the Holy throne of God, asking His Spirit to lead us in our efforts, and trusting in His Sovereign Will… then those who have ears to hear will hear. We don’t need to pander, contextualize, nor lessen the truth of the gospel in some secularized effort to keep them from running away. If they feel loved, they will explore deeper. And if those tough topics come up, then rely on your own willingness to engage. But if you are unsure, then you point them in the direction of pastors and elders. We’ll help you by helping them in answering their questions.
“We humble ourselves before the Holy throne of God, asking His Spirit to lead us in our efforts….”
If they don’t stick, and decide to leave… well, this is God allowing them to leave because this isn’t the place for them. After all, some folks don’t like to be convicted. But in no way are we to compromise the gospel in an effort to “win” them over to becoming members. That’s been a problem for the church, and it continues to be.
Jesus has a plan for them. Just do our part. The rest is up to them. No matter what “season” they are in.
PastorPatrick
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Kids' Worship
Kids' Worship meets during the 10:00 service. The kids start out in the sanctuary for the opening songs, then are dismissed to their classes.
We have classes for nursery through 6th grade. Nursery kids have very short lessons, and they have them in the nursery. Kids in K-3rd grade go downstairs, boys in 4th-6th grades have class in the library, and girls in 4th-6th grade meet in room 105.
K-6th grade students are using a program called Answers in Genesis. It is set up to cover the entire Bible chronologically in 4 years. Nursery boys and girls have 5 lessons from the series Truth for Toddlers (also through Answers in Genesis) that repeat throughout the year. We are currently using another series with them and will later switch back to Truth for Toddlers.
We can use more volunteers. Please pray about it. Let me know if this is a place you feel God wants to use you!
Respectfully submitted,
Jacque Gilbert
Children's Ministry Director
(KOW)
Kids’s
OWN
Worship
TRIBE
Summer break is here and Tribe will be picking back up before you know it! We have some exciting changes coming for this next school year including new volunteers, new activities, new classes and a new night! We will begin meeting on Wednesdays at 6:30-8pm in the North Conference Room. If you are 4th grade -12th grade we would love to have you join us! If you are a parent and are looking for something to do, we have our evening services starting from 7-8pm.
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HHCC SHIRTS
One of the fundraisers planned for the Kenya Mission Trip is the availability of specialized HHCC shirts. The first shirts are ready to be ordered on Monday, June 30th. Contact Lori Flippin if you want to see if you can still order one of these.
There will be another design later in the year. So if you miss this one, watch for the next!
Thank You
Dear HHCC,
It has been my honor to work along side you and serve you in the name of Jesus Christ for these many years.
I thank you for the opportunity to minister with you, Thank you also for the many cards and well wishes that I have received upon my retirement. The flowers were beautiful and the gift cards will be used and much appreciated.
Each of you have been a blessing to me! May God continue to bless the family of HHCC!
In Christ’s service,
Nancy Christian
DISCOVERING HHCC CLASS
All those who have been attending HHCC for a time but really want to learn more about who we are and what we believe are invited to join Pastor Patrick for THE DISCOVERING HHCC CLASS. A date is not set yet but if it sounds interesting, please contact the church office, 785-379-5642, to get on the list to be notified when it is on the calendar. The group usually meets around 2 hours, with snack served. Child care will be provided upon request. If you are looking to join in the ministry at HHCC this is the session to explain how that can happen. Come and join us as we strive to work where God is working!
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PIONEER BIBLE TRANSLATORS
Pioneer Bible Translators
Mon, Jun 9, 2025
We hope to get you another fuller newsletter update in the days to come. However, as we write this, we are getting ready board a plane in order to give condolences and be with family to celebrate the life of Tina's maternal Grandmother, Dorothy Archer. Dorothy passed away on Friday, June 6, in Branson Missouri, where she has been living with Tina's aunt and uncle, Bev and Ron Boss for the past five years. (Bev is one of Dorothy's children).
As a strong believer in Jesus, we are rejoicing that Grandma Archer is with the Lord. We want to spend time in remembrance with family as we take this short pause in the US. Your prayers are appreciated for the family of Dorothy Archer in their loss. We also appreciate your prayers as we travel to the US and as we meet with our children and other family members in Missouri to remember Grandma Archer's life.
Pray also for the Pioneer Bible Translators team here in West Africa as they are needing to reorganize some logistics in order to let us make this trip. (Tina has been in charge of managing repairs and visitor logistics and housing here in Conakry, Guinea in recent months and we are a bit short on administration staff right now in country.)
We plan to spend a little over a month in the USA and hope to visit two or three of our partnering churches while back in the US. For any partnering churches in Texas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska, we may be able to stop by for a brief update/visit. We plan to be in Missouri this coming weekend (June 14/15) and in Western Iowa/Eastern Nebraska June 21/22. After that we will be mostly in Texas until around July 21/22, when we plan on coming back to West Africa.
Between this last minute plane trip and lodging costs in the days to come, we are experiencing a bit of financial stress with this journey. As usual, we appreciate your continued partnership with us through your donations to Pioneer Bible Translators. We also appreciate your prayers for our travels and for our work in the ministry of sharing God's word with the Lele people.
Thanks much for your partnership and prayers.
Blessings.
Marc and Tina Gebhard
PBT – West Africa Branch
(Editor’s Note: If you would like to give a special offering to Marc and Tina’s ministry to help with these additional expenses here is a link for easy online donations:
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Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ,
We have had a good year so far with the North Topeka Outreach (NTO) and Lunch with Jesus. We are always looking for more people to help, however.
Our designated night to serve at the mission is Sunday evening, though you can volunteer at any time to help serve meals in the kitchen. The mission is always looking for food donations, clothing (especially men’s clothing and under garments), and monetary assistance. We are in the middle of summer, but winter will hit before we know it and many people that are assisted through the mission will need warm clothing (thick socks, gloves, hats, scarves). If you feel led to help, you can talk to Matthew & Scarlett Madinger or Guy & Jackie Gardner.
One of our main missions for NTO is Lunch with Jesus. This mission heads to the parking lot of the Hope Center (we try to do it twice a month) and serves lunch on a Saturday as they only serve two meals per day on the weekends. We spend time with the people in the community, give a message (as the Bread of Life is the most important aspect of this outreach), sing praise to God, and often times, have clothing and other things to give to those in need. We have a great team that works together to complete this mission, but we are always looking for more people to join our labor of love. Some of the residents around the mission just want to be treated like human beings, which sadly doesn’t always happen. So, if you feel you can talk to people and just spend some time with them, we would be happy to have your assistance. Again, if you are interested, speak to Matthew & Scarlett Madinger or Guy & Jackie Gardner. Other team members can also give you information on it as well. One way you could support the Lunch with Jesus mission if you can’t come out and serve, is through food or financial donations.
Thank you all for what you do for the Church that Christ has built, may we do all things to the glory of the Father.
Matthew
NORTH TOPEKA OUTREACH AND LUNCH WITH JESUS
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Highland Heights Christian Church
2930 SE Tecumseh Road
Tecumseh, KS 66542
Phone: 785-379-5642
Fax: 785-379-5648
hhcc@highlandheightscc.com
American’s Independence Day!
July 4th, 1776
May America Bless God!
LEADERSHIP LIFTER AUGUST 23RD, 8:30-NOON
Two times during the year the leadership of HHCC is asked to attend a time of study and fellowship together. Everyone who is part of a purpose team or ministry team is encouraged to attend this bonding experience. Setting aside a few hours of time may be a sacrifice but it also is a welcome retreat to focus on the ministry of Jesus Christ in this place.
The second Leadership Lifter for 2025 will be held on Saturday, August 23rd beginning at 8:30 AM. Snacks are provided during the morning with lunch served at noon.
Please RSVP to your team leader or the church office, 785-379-5642. Come, spend some time fellowshipping with those with whom you serve. All the while you will receive the blessing of being discipled in the faith of Jesus Christ.
Love God. Love Others. Live it Out!
Car Wash Fundraiser
Saturday, August 2
10AM—2 PM
In the HHCC parking lot!
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