Basin and the Towel
Highland Heights Christian Church
ANNUAL MEETING & LEADERSHIP DEDICATION
Sunday, November 10th, 1:00 PM
All HHCC members and regular attenders are welcome to attend the annual business meeting at 1:00 PM on Sunday, November 10th. Come and listen to the reports of the Purpose Teams, Elders, and Staff. See the proposed budget for 2025. Members will have the privilege of voting on that budget. After the business is concluded, there will be a Worship and Dedication Service for all leadership.
Let’s celebrate all that has been accomplished this year and those who will be leading us as we go into 2025.
BENEFIT CHRISTMAS PURSE EXCHANGE
Sue Casey’s Tuesday Night Ladies Study is hosting a purse exchange to benefit Doorstep Christmas and Lunch With Jesus. All women are welcome. Join us Tuesday, November 12th from 6:30-8 PM. Bring your gently used purses, totes, wallets, etc.. Bring as many as you want, take as many as you need!
In order to gain entrance into the exchange, please bring an item(s) listed below. (ALL ITEMS MUST BE NEW)
Queen and King size sheet sets & blankets (no throws).
Full-Size Hygiene items: shampoo, conditioner, 2-in-1 shampoo + conditioner, bar soap, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, brushes and combs.
Household items: Griddles, silverware sets, dish sets, cookware, saucepans. Small laundry baskets with cleaning supplies.
Gifts: Tool sets, cologne, perfume sets, body care sets for men or women.
Toys: Games, nerf guns, lego sets, action figures, dinosaur toys, family board games, puzzles.
Hoodies: Men/Women/teens—Varying sizes Medium-4X
Inside this issue:
Annual Mtg.
Purse Exchange
1
Kids updates
2
Pastor Patrick
3-4
Missions
5,6
Ladies Game Night
Men’s Breakfast
8
Advent
Readings
Advent celebrations
9
1
Basin and the Towel
Every time I turn around it is a new month, and I wonder where the last month went…
It has been a good start to our school year around here, the new families have settled right in, the kids are all used to their new classes and now it is the start of the busy time of year for us.
Fall Festival, Thanksgiving Feast, Christmas Program, Jesus’ Birthday, “Noon-Year” countdown! So many things but so much fun and a TON of family time! As crazy as it gets leading up to all the events, I LOVE all the times we get to spend with the families!
As we all head into the Holiday Season, my prayer for everyone is that you take time to slow down through the hustle and bustle of it all and spend quality time with your families and reflect on the last year and the memories that were made!
Blessings,
Chellie Garlock
Jars of Clay Children’s Center, Program Director
Kids' Worship
We will finish Unit 5 by the end of the year or the first part of 2025. Some of the highlights in this unit are: God answered Isaac’s prayer to give him and Rebekah children—twin boys, Jacob and Esau. Later Jacob fled from home because Esau was angry with him. After being apart for 20 years, Jacob and Esau reconciled.
On Sunday, December 8th, at 6:00 PM we will have a Children’s Christmas Program. Please mark your calendars. I would appreciate all the children taking part if possible. More information to follow.
Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival was lots of fun! We had beautiful weather, delicious food, and many activities. We had about 300 people in attendance. Harvest Festival is a community outreach event and is a great time to meet new people and catch up with “old” friends. Everything is free!
A big thank you to all the people who helped in any way. Many people donated items and/or their time to help make it a success!
Pastor
Patrick D. Garlock
785 379-5642
Council Officers:
Scarlett Madinger
785 273-3735
Don Christian
785 969-4819
Beverly Renner
785 806-7702
Nancy Christian
785 379-5068
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
Don Christian
785 969-4819
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
2
VOLUME 24 NUMBER 6
PERPETUAL PONDERINGS BY PASTOR PATRICK PATRICK:
Hear ye, hear ye…
I just wanted to get your attention with a phrase we don’t hear much of anymore. Something from yesteryear. A time of memories of “auld lang syne.”
Yet, here we are, in an age where we have to explain text acronyms to folks because we automatically think that they know what IYKYK, YOLO, LOL, and even TBH mean. (If you know you know – you only live once – laugh out loud – to be honest)… If you just learned something, glad I could help! But back to yesteryear. Because like Dick Cavett, Red Skeleton, Woodstock and even the J. Geils Band… people born in the past 30 years aren’t privy to the things that us old timers are. I was born and raised in the 70’s and experienced my adolescence in the 1980’s. I loved my childhood and the memories associated with it.
But I cannot expect the kids from our youth program “TRIBE” to know what I’m talking about if I bring up “Sanford and Son” or “Dukes of Hazzard.” I have to remember that even talking with my own kids, that I have to “set up” the context of a scene in order for the story of old to make its point. And that brings me to a point today. So many of us talk about and desire to have things simpler and the way they were. But, unfortunately, that’s not how this life works. Culture shifts and we are left for wanting more of the auld lang syne.
This idea of jogging down memory lane is more prevalent during an election cycle. More and more times than not, I hear registered voters just simply want life to return to something that resembles yesterday. A time when we dealt with animosity, frustration, and disagreements differently.
“The Word of God is… the most consistent and reliable piece of literature”
When people called one another or drove to each other’s houses in an effort to have conversations and face to face communications… rather than simply texting. A time when we had to be home at a particular time on a particular night, in order to see a show that we all wanted to watch as a family. A time when… well, you get the point. The real crux is that we will never go back to the “way things were,” no matter how badly we want it that way. And that is the problem with humanity – they are slow at adapting. Especially those who should.
When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt during the Exodus, they must have figured they were going to have the exact same life in just a different setting. So, when they got out to the wilderness, not yet to their promised land… they complained. They wanted to go back to Egypt, or “the way things were.” Why? Because even if it was in slavery, at least they had the little things in life that they were used to.
This is still a problem with people… including Christians. We all want to return to a time when we didn’t fear for our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We all long for a time when our memories of familiar things and a familiar way of life are back to their rightful place on the pantry shelf.
Culture doesn’t allow this. The only thing that has remained intact over the years is the Word of God. The most consistent and reliable piece of literature over the past couple thousands of years. And it still applies. And not only that, it warns us while it also encourages us.
(Continued on Page 4)
3
Basin and the Towel
(continued) The warning…
2 Timothy 3:1-5 - But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
And the encouragement…
Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Culture shifts and it changes and unfortunately, we are just slow to adapt. But that brings me to my conclusion… we better learn how to adapt with acceptance of it. Otherwise, we will all die slow deaths of “good old days” fatigue. And that will not bode well for the forthcoming last days that Christ has promised, and that we are in presently.
We must be willing to adapt to whatever life gives us… and praise the almighty Lord that He is willing to equip us in this long battle that looms ahead.
Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Pastor Patrick
“People will be lovers of self”
2 Timothy 3
WHAT IS WORSHIP TO YOU?
Worship is...respectful devotion, love-honoring and obeying someone who deserves our highest regard.
Acknowledging and celebrating His power and perfection in gratitude.
Includes understanding and awe of God’s Holiness; we remember how great He is and behave reverently in His Presence.
A key part of our relationship with God which we can experience because of Jesus Christ.
How we tell God that we love Him.
Thanking Him in prayer and song and through attending church.
Remembering and discussing the great things He has done (communion).
Celebrating His gift of salvation and other blessings in this life; rejoicing in God’s love all the time.
A time to draw close to God and show our respect for God (“Be still and know” Psalm 46:10).
Spiritual disciplines; praying, obeying, serving and trusting in God’s guidance are ways of telling God how much we love and respect Him and want to do His will.(*)
The Worship Team is looking for dedicated Christians that are ready to learn more about worship and how to help others draw closer to God. If you are interested please contact Nancy Christian, 785-379-5642 or email at nancy@highlandheightscc.com.
(*thoughts taken from the C.S. Lewis Institute)
4
Basin and the Towel
Mission Focus For November -
Topeka Youth For Christ
Room for Every Story...
From starting at a new school to becoming a parent, from choosing a job or a college to moving for the first time or the 10th time, from experiencing loss or trauma to spending time in a juvenile institution — 11-19 year olds face some of the most pivotal moments of their lives; moments that can shape their entire story. We know how a pivotal moment can shape a story, because we’ve been through them ourselves. We also know that young people experiencing pivotal moments often feel over-looked and under-served, walking through their story without someone in their corner. We facilitate relational ministry rooted in Christ’s truth. His truth about life together, empathy, and kingdom-inspired diversity guides our work and shapes our communities. Jesus shared the Gospel through story, so we share and listen to stories—to every story. Our calling is to partner with God (and others) by stepping into a young person’s life at pivotal moments, and to build lasting relationships in which God can work. We believe every 11-19 year old should have the opportunity to uncover God’s story of hope in their lives, realized through meaningful discipling relationships grounded in biblical community.
Our Mission
YFC reaches young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to prayer and the Word of God, passion for sharing the love of Christ and commitment to social involvement.
Five Essentials
1. Widespread Prayer - We deliberately engage lots of Christians to intercede on behalf of the ministry site.
2. Loving Relationships - We consistently pursue lost kids & engage them in life-long relationships with Jesus.
3. Faithful Bible Teaching - We accurately handle Biblical truth, regularly coaching kids to apply it in their lives
4. Collaborative Community Strategy - We intentionally work together with local churches, agencies and other partners to provide sustainable youth and family ministry.
5. Adults Who Empower - We strategically develop leaders to reach young people from every people group.
The Topeka YFC director is Deb Tubbs. If you would like to know more about Topeka Youth for Christ her email is: info@topekayfc.org
5
Basin and the Towel
December Mission Focus - Benevolence
MISSION: Benevolence
What is benevolence?
be·nev·o·lence (bə-nĕv'ə-ləns)
n. 1. An inclination to perform kind, charitable acts. 2. A. A kindly act. B. A gift given out of generosity.
Why do we include benevolence in our Mission budget? We are commanded to treat others as we want to be treated. (Luke 6:31) Our response to “the least of these” is a reflection of our response to Jesus. (Matthew 25:37-40)
The staff and Elders at HHCC listen and respond to cries of need on your behalf. Thanks to the generous giving of the HHCC congregation we have been able to respond to many of the needs. Our participation in Doorstep allows us to send people there for food or clothing items. But the need is great and Doorstep can only offer what churches, like ours, have provided. Often these foods don’t contain the balanced diet needs of people with health concerns. Babies need formula and diapers that aren’t readily available from agencies.
Sometimes it is difficult to find a balance between giving generously to those in need and being an enabler of bad habits or unhealthy lifestyles. The leading of the Holy Spirit helps us be good stewards of our resources. Everything is given as we would give to Jesus himself. To God be the Glory! Amen.
HHCC Thanksgiving Outreach
The staff and leadership of HHCC do not want anyone eating Thanksgiving Dinner alone. There are several families that have offered to host individuals who do not have family or friends with which to eat Thanksgiving dinner. Do you need a place to share a Thanksgiving meal? Please contact the church office, 785-379-5642, for more information or let us know of a need.
6
Basin and the Towel
HANGING OF THE GREEN
November 24th 5:00 PM
Decorating the facility
A brief service followed by
A Soup Supper
Children’s Christmas Program
Sunday, December 8th, 6:00 PM
Carols, Candles and Communion
Christmas Eve Service
December 24th, 7:00 PM
DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THESE MONTHLY GATHERINGS?
LADIES’ S GAME NIGHT
The second Friday evening of each month at 6:45 PM there is a gathering of women to fellowship together and have fun playing a variety of games.
Women of all ages join in playing dominos, cards or other board games. If you have a favorite game you can bring it and a snack to share on November 8th.
MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST
I was asked to write a paragraph or two about the men’s breakfast and I started scratching my head. Then I realized that this was why the men’s breakfast is so important.
Guys are different than women. It’s not an introvert versus an extrovert distinction but a depth of men’s relationship to one another. Before I go on, I have to clarify that my comments about distinctions between men and women are my opinion of broad differences (stereotypes) but may not apply to every member but does apply to enough of them to expose a pattern.
Back to the difference. I’ve been married almost 39 years and I depend on my wife do things like remember birthdays and anniversaries, buy gifts and cards, and reach out to our friends to offer help and similar activities. It’s not that I don’t find these things important but I believe guys are wired to pursue a living and protect their family and other stereotypical manly mannerisms. This means that we need help finding, developing and nurturing relationships with other men. These relationships are important when you need to interact with another man because you need to talk to a man. This is why the men’s breakfast is a valuable opportunity to develop and nurture a relationship with another Christian man that you can fall back on if you ever need that support.
But the only way you can develop and nurture those relationships is if you go (or if you are the wife, encourage your husband to go). At first, it seems awkward and I’ll be honest, there is a lot of sports and politics talk but the more you go, the more you’ll let your guard down to other Christian men. Supporting one another is a part of being a leader of our Christian families. What could be more important?
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:17 ESV
- Randy Edwards
The third Saturday of each month. 8:00 AM
November 16th and December 21st
7
Basin and the Towel
8
Highland Heights Christian Church
2930 SE Tecumseh Road
Tecumseh, KS 66542
Phone: 785-379-5642
Fax: 785-379-5648
hhcc@highlandheightscc.com
Love God. Love Others. Live it Out!
CELEBRATING THE ADVENT OF CHRIST
The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ at His first Advent, the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in His Second Advent, and the preparation of our hearts to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God.
The first Sunday of Advent 2024 will be December 1st. We will gather for a time of preparing the church facility for this celebration and a “Hanging of the Green” service on Sunday, Nov. 24th . Decorating begins at 5:00 PM, followed by a brief service and soup supper. An explanation of the symbolism of the decorations that we use will be included in the service.
Advent is a natural time to involve children in activities at home that directly connect with worship at church. In the home an Advent wreath, may be placed on the dining table and lighted at meals, with a Scripture reading. This provides for a time of family devotion and prayer together and helps teach the Faith to children. Use of an Advent calendar is a way to keep children involved the entire season. A variety of calendars and devotionals are available. Need ideas? Check out options at Mardel’s or Hobby Lobby in town, or there are many online options.
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL EVENTS
December 1st Advent begins
December 8th 6:00 PM Children’s Christmas Program
December 24th 7:00 PM “Carols, Candles and Communion” Christmas Eve Service
9