NEWS FROM HAYS HILLS Defeating Darkness; Releasing Captives

Prayer Time 8:45AM (Bldg. D Resource Center Hallway) Worship 9:15 & 10:45 AM Bible Study 9:15 & 10:45 AM

August 6, 2014 312-1433 295-3132 www.hayshills.com

Join us on September 27 for our Men's Outdoor Expo & Banquet, featuring a BBQ dinner, plus amazing hunting and fishing trip giveaways, door prizes and more! Now you can buy your tickets online through our “Give Online” button on the home page of our Web site. Or, come by the Hays Hills church office during office hours to leave cash or check to reserve your ticket(s).

For more event details: http://hayshills.org/#/adults/mens

512-295-3132, ext. 23

Sympathy Our Christian sympathy to Tina McCaslin in the loss of her mother. Our Christian sympathy is extended to Betty Delaney in the loss of her mother.

Congratulations To Nicole Baier, foster daughter of Jason and Elizabeth Reeves, on her baptism, July 27 in the Blanco River.

From Jon Discipleship and Adult

Education

Psalms 46:10 says “Be still and know that I am God”. In the 40+ years that I have been a Christian, I never felt the full impact of that verse until this past week. Through the generosity of Pat’s family, God provided Pat and I an opportunity to spend a week in upstate New York at a Christian Family Camp in the Adirondack Mountains. I am being completely truthful when I say that this was the best vacation I have ever had in my life. As I sit here and ask myself why, I cannot come up with just one single reason, it was the total package. The following is a brief list of all the blessings we received.

• Pat and I spending quality, uninterrupted time together • Waking up each and every morning surrounded by the beauty and glory of God’s Creation • One morning of wonderful, refreshing rain • Attending a morning chapel every day with 400 – 600 brothers and sisters in Christ and

listening to the teachings of Dr. Crawford Lorits and Dr. Tony Evans • Attending a daily mid-morning bible study led by either Bryndan Lorits or Priscilla Shirer • Just spending time alone with God looking out over a beautiful crystal clear lake • The music, a full orchestra and singers that were so good you would expect to see them

on Broadway I could probably go on and on and on, but I think you get the picture. It was great.

This morning as I was getting ready to come into the church office, my wife Pat said, “Please let me write your article for you, I want to share what I saw God doing in your life”. Sadly, I had to say no, but if you want I will include your comments. She agreed so here’s our vacation from a wife’s perspective. Hi: This is Pat. I wanted to share with you my response to our vacation.

Jon had been needing a vacation (or time away!) for some time now. Thanks to all who have been praying for us, for more than a year, that we would be able to take a much needed vacation together! To say that prayers were answered, would be an understatement. God provided. More than we could ever imagine. I watched Jon really relax for the first time in years. He got to meet new family and old friends (of mine). He was able to see for himself, and understand what I love about “home”. He made many new friends, especially at camp, and had the opportunity to be ministered to, through daily chapel, bible study, devotions, music, entertainment and yes, even physical activity and games. My beloved friend spent quality time with me and I saw him be ministered to and “play” for the first time in a long time. He also got to spend time with our East Coast family members which almost never happens. I saw him do very well without ANY electronic devices (phone, computer, TV, radio, etc) as there was NO reception in the mountains where we stayed. God knew exactly what was needed and provided a vacation to rest our bodies, fill our souls and glorify Him. And, oh yes, He orchestrated an unusual turn of events in our return schedule home so we could minister to someone who needed us to attend a Celebrate Recovery meeting with them in NY. Jon was thrilled about that! But don’t worry, he is SO ready to be home and ready to get back to work. By vacation’s end, we both missed home, our four legged kids and our church family……. P.S. Could you start praying about next year!? Thank you Pat.

In closing I want to express my appreciation to all who made this vacation possible.

To Pat’s family for allowing God to use them in providing the resources To Billy Rose for leading our Bible Life class while we were gone To Patty Straub, Harvey Williams, Judy Garner, Wanda Henry, Steve Brewer for keeping Celebrate Recovery going during our absence. To Thomas Doebner for getting up early to take us to the airport and staying up late to pick us up on our return. To Talina Plant for helping us find a dog sitter and checking in on Gracie while we were gone.

But most important I thank my heavenly Father and my Lord, Jesus Christ, for drawing us nearer to Him during these past 2 weeks. It’s great to be back. Jon

From Ken Administration

Hi All! Summer is a busy time at the church when we get quite a few things accomplished that we cannot do when all activities are in full swing. I miss the excitement and energy level of the 170 children and 23 teachers of CLC during the week. What a blessing to have them at our church. Here are some notes that you may be interested in or want to help with.

Building and Grounds Notes: We need help with some of the gardens around our church. Please let me know if you would be willing to help! It could be a great family or class project!

The parking lot work has been completed except for waiting for the hydromulch to grow so we can remove the silt fences. Thank you for your patience during this process.

A special thanks to Marty Vannatter who is working closely with the contractor and Compliance resources folks to ensure that all is completed according to plan. The entire site team has put in a lot of time on this project. Be sure and thank them for their dedication and help.

I have been told by the county that they plan on completing the road in front of the church either this week or next week. How wonderful will that be!

The new LED sign has been installed and is displaying messages to the large number of vehicles traveling on 1626. May God be glorified and people draw to His church.

We have repainted all of the children’s classrooms in building C and D! We are ready for the children to return to our campus in a few weeks from CLC. Thank you Don Jordan for his help.

There are so many repair items that are needed every week on this campus. Thank you to Roy Fuller and James Reynolds for their consistent help with these on-going projects!

Financial Notes:

ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE – Please. Every year, the tithes and offerings drop during the summer creating a unpleasant financial condition, so here is the CHALLENGE! Let’s make this summer different! Will you commit with me to ensure that the work of the church is well funded so we can achieve all that God has ordained for us. Summer is a very expensive time of the year with a lot of youth and children’s activities and maintenance / upgrades to our facility. Lets’ make the Lord’s work a priority during the summer as we ensure that our tithes and offerings get to the church even when we are away.

Many folks are enjoying the convenience of credit cards and bill pay services that are available at everyone’s bank. If you have any questions on how to do this, please feel free to give me a call. I will be happy to discuss with you.

Thank you in advance for your faithfulness! May God be glorified in all we do!

Believe it or not—we have just begun the process of preparation for the 2015 Budget. This is time of serious prayer and analysis of our ministry needs and plans for how to fund them in the coming year. Many committees will be meeting and I will be meeting with the staff on their needs. Please keep this in your prayers. We want to be in tune with our Father on His plans.

Special Missions Notes:

I am so excited about the work of our REACH OUT Teams that are committed to touching the lives of those outside our church. If you would like to join a team, please give me a call.

Monday night at West Oaks Rehab Center here are some of the comments I received>

“ I was so touched by the service last week, I wanted to be the first one here this week.”

“ I could listen to Barbara teach from God’s word all night. God has gifted her!”

“We are so happy and blessed to have all of you come to share with us each week. Thank you!”

“This is the brightest spot in my week!”

Each week, we pray, sing and share with 20-30 residents. Thank you to all of our volunteers and Dolly Dietz leadership. We average 10 volunteers every Monday night.

If you have any questions, or if I can be of further assistance, please let me know. May all we do Glorify Him!!

Ken Rector

Minister of Administration and Special Missions Projects

512-415-6183

Ken@hayshills.com

From Aaron Children’s Ministry

Interested in serving at AWANA this fall? Curious as to what all would be involved? Come find out! I will be hosting an optional AWANA training seminar and lunch for any new or returning AWANA volunteers on Sunday, August 24thth, from 12:30-1:30pm in Bldg. A. I’ll cover:

• AWANA Awards – What are they? When does a child earn them?

• AWANA Discipline

• AWANA Notation – How do we record children’s progress? What is with all this paperwork?

• Presenting the gospel to kids

Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to give us an accurate count for ordering food.

Email aaron@hayshills.com or contact me at the church office (512) 295-3132 ext. 35

From Sean Youth News

Our Incoming 7th Graders Retreat is tomorrow!

We will meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 7th. The plan for the day is to get to know the new 7th graders and introduce them to the youth ministry program. We will spend a short time at the church in the morning and then head to the river in San Marcos. We hang out at Rio Vista park. We typically have three, 30 minute Bible study sessions mixed in with short swims in the river. We normally eat lunch at a local pizza restaurant. We will return to the church at 4 pm and have our last Bible study, followed by parent pickup at 5 pm.

Cost of the retreat is $5. Please bring: Bible, towel and sunscreen. Come dressed in swimsuits and casual clothes (girls need to wear one piece swimsuit, or have a dark cover-up over two-piece).

We do not tube down the river. - This is sometimes a misperception of students. It is really a day of hanging out in the park with a spiritual intention of fellowship and relationship building.

Look forward to seeing everyone in the morning!

Sean Sivils, Minister to Youth, 512-845-3533 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEE YOU AT THE POLE Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Never Stop Praying

Student led prayer event at campuses nationwide around the school’s flagpole. Students gather to pray for their classmates, teachers, administrators, town,

county, state and country.

…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints… Ephesians 6:18

From Pastor David

Challenges! Wonderful challenges lay before us. Challenges are, by definition, challenging. They are tests of our faith. And they are refiners of our faith. Are you up for the exam of your faith? We are starting the budgeting process, and somehow, by God’s grace we have to make decisions about how to support the new Sunday morning service with a (part-time) worship leader, as well as bring on the services of a (part-time) sound engineer for all services. We will soon begin a Capital Fund Raising Campaign for our transitional housing ministry, which will likely take three years. We will soon be launching a prayer-hope line to have our members trained and on the front lines of real human need. Our men’s team is working toward an effective gospel presentation at the Men’s Outdoors Expo and Banquet. Pray for power and discernment for all of us! Pastor David

LOOK WHAT’S COMING UP!

DATE TIME EVENTAugust 7 New 7th Graders Retreat

August 8-10 RA’s/GA’s/Missions Camp

August 10 6:00 PM Youth Mission Trip/Camp Recaps & Experiences, Worship Center

August 14 11:00 AM Senior Women’s Luncheon

August 17 Morning Rite of Passage Ministry Sunday

August 20 6:30 PM 6:45 PM 7:00 PM

Road Rally for current Rite of Passage students from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Men’s Wednesday Night Bible Study Resumes Meeting for Parents of New 6th Graders (upstairs)

August 24 5:00 PM 6:00 PM

Concert of Prayer Deacons’ Meeting

August 27 Family Meal, Kid’s Choirs, AWANA Kick-Off

August 31 6:00 PM New 6th Graders’ Mini Lock-In

September 14 3:00 PM Outdoor Baptism

September 21 6:00 PM Quarterly Business Meeting

September 24 Hays Hills Feeds the UT BSM Students

September 27 Men’s Outdoor Expo & Banquet with Jay Lowder

September 28 Bring a Friend Sunday

October 31 6:00 PM Trunk or Treat Carnival

Budget & Finance Report

Ministry Budget Giving: July (total): $64,792.62

August (so far): $26,250.88 2014 (so far): $565,429.08

($81,000.00 needed for general budget each month)

Designated Giving:

August (so far) $5,058.00 2014 (so far) $229,439.79

Sermon Audio CD’s & DVD’sAvailable!

Sermon CD’s are available– fill out the pink envelope and form and request either a CD or DVD, and leave for Kelton Reynolds. The forms are in the foyer.

Resource Center at Hays Hills – be sure to check out our Resource Center in the east hallway of Building D for free magazines, brochures, etc. ALSO, go by this area each Sunday that

new folks join, to meet them. Thanks!

Flowers If you would like to place flowers in the worship center on a Sunday morning in honor or memory of someone or an anniversary, please contact Sarah in the church office at 512-295-3132 Ext. 21

Sandra Snowden oversees these arrangements, so contact her for any special requests.