ICYMI Thursday

by Tom Goodman

The Oldest Message in a Bottle Ever Found


"The notes of alienation, loneliness, and violence yielded to love, companionship, and redemption." Springsteen continued to perfect "Born to Run" before releasing it 40 years ago. 40 years ago.


Pastor welcomes birth of second sermon illustration


"In Starhill we are practicing how to die well here, and in so doing, we are also practicing resurrection." Beautiful post by Rod Dreher about the vigil beside his dying father's bed.


Christianity and "The Good Wife"


Can Russell Moore Ignite the Religious Right? Not sure I like the title (I mean, is this a hope or a goal for anyone anymore?), but the article is useful.


"The Psalms teach us, according to Wright, to embrace the paradox of living in the “now” and the “not yet”—a world where the King has come, lived, suffered, died, and was resurrected and yet friends are still debilitated by cancer and whole nations flee from genocide." Inhabiting the Psalms

This week's newsletter from Karen

In John 4 we find the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. At the end of this encounter we find these verses, “The woman left her water jar and ran back into town. She said to the people, ‘Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! Could he be the Messiah?’ Everyone in town went out to see Jesus.” (v. 28-30)

Later we find these verses, “A lot of Samaritans in that town put their faith in Jesus because the woman had said, ‘This man told me everything I have ever done.’ They came and asked him [Jesus] to stay in their town, and he stayed on for two days. Many more Samaritans put their faith in Jesus because of what they heard him say. They told the woman, ‘We no longer have faith in Jesus just because of what you told us. We have heard him ourselves, and we are certain that he is the Savior of the world!’” (v. 39-42)

We, like the woman at the well, need to be willing to say (not debate) we are changed because of Jesus and ask our friends/neighbors/acquaintances to come and hear for themselves.

My prayer is that many in this city will be able to say that their belief in Jesus was initiated because of what we have said, but was solidified because they have heard him [God’s Word; John 1:1] and “are certain that he is the Savior of the world!”

This week's newsletter from Steve

I just finished a Skype call with a young minister that I am helping to mentor in Hungary. He is one of the Hungarian men that we worked with during our past two summer trips to Hungary. Zoli (the short version of his name) has a huge passion for the Word of God, and for discipleship. He has been mentoring and teaching several young teenage men for the past few years. I can tell you that his efforts are paying off, as these young men have come to follow Jesus, and are slowly growing in their faith. A good portion of these young men, Zoli included, grew up in the orphanages in northeast Hungary. They did not grow up with role models and Godly influences around them. It has been through the ministry of missionaries and churches in that area that men like Zoli hear about Jesus. Praise God for the obedience of those that He calls to serve in difficult places! 

Please pray for Zoli, and pray for the people of Hungary. They have a special place in our hearts, as we have been able to see God at work first-hand in this country. Pray for God to continue to raise up young men and women that will have a passion for Jesus, and for evangelism and discipleship. We pray that God is in the early stages of revival in this entire region! 

I would also like to thank all of you that helped out with our Teacher Appreciation Lunch last Tuesday! We served over 350 teachers and staff from our neighboring schools. We could not have done it without your help! May God richly bless each of you!

This week's newsletter from Gene

By the time you read this, Lynn will have finished her first and major round of chemo. Pray she is in full remission. Your prayers have been experienced and answers seen. Thank you!! 

Romans 11:33-36 (AMP)

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)! For who has known the mind of the Lord and who has understood His thoughts, or who has [ever] been His counselor? [Isa 40:13,14.] Or who has first given God anything that he might be paid back or that he could claim a recompense?  For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. [For all things originate with Him and come from Him; all things live through Him, and all things center in and tend to consummate and to end in Him.] To Him be glory forever! Amen (so be it).

Like a Good Neighbor

by Tom Goodman

When Jesus was asked what he considered the greatest of all commandments, he said “Love God with everything you’ve got, and love your neighbor as yourself.” But who is your neighbor?  

That senior adult couple across the street from you?

The roommates who share your adjoining duplex?

The family with the foreign accent two doors down?

Could Jesus have expected us to love our actual neighbors?

I think we all know the answer to that. The definition of “neighbor” means more than just your street’s residents, but it certainly doesn’t mean less than that.

And loving our neighbors starts with just knowing who they are. Their names. Their kids’ names. Where they moved from. How long they’ve lived here. What they think of the neighborhood. Where they work.

This Sunday we’ll challenge you to get to know your neighbors through two practical projects. One happens soon and one can happen now.

The first project is National Night Out. This is a nationwide effort promoted by police, EMS, and other first responders. The belief is that a neighborhood is safer when neighbors have a greater awareness of those around them. This year’s National Night Out is Tuesday, October 6. Your neighborhood may already have something scheduled. If not, see if you can get something organized!

The second project is easier and you can start it right away. Start implementing the “Walk Don’t Wave” rule. For most of us, the extent of our interaction with our neighbors is to wave at them as we get groceries out of the car or put out the trash cans. Here’s where the “Walk Don’t Wave” rule can help. Whenever you’re tempted to simply wave at a neighbor, walk instead. Walk over to him or her and strike up a conversation. It doesn’t have to be any more than a few minutes. You may end up developing a relationship, but at the least you’ll be able to greet them by name next time you see them.

National Night Out and the “Walk Don’t Wave” rule. These two projects may not sound very “spiritual,” but they are! The projects will get you taking the first step in obeying Christ’s command to love your neighbor as yourself. It has to start somewhere. I think it starts with a name and some conversation.

We’ll tell you more this Sunday. See you at 10!

ICYMI Thursday

When Hollywood Goes to Church: 18 Stereotypes. A lighthearted look at what we've all learned about church and the ministry from TV and movies.


What Tolkien and Lewis teach us about surviving dark times


Sick of all the articles about the younger generation? Popular browser extension changes the word ‘millennial’ into ‘snake person.’ I'd like it to change the phrase "science says" to "thus spoke Zarathustra."


78729: One of the hottest ZIP Codes in America


Well, now there's a provocative title: One Shortcut to a Happy Marriage: Vote Republican

This week's newsletter from Karen

Good works do not produce faith, but faith does produce good works.

James 2:14 asks us, "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but does not have works?" 

This verse is then followed by James 2:15-16 which reads, “If a man who does not have anything and is hungry comes to you and you say, ‘Be warmed and filled, depart in peace,’ but you don’t help him–does it do that man any good?”

Our children have to understand that saying they believe in Jesus and saying they have asked Jesus to be their Savior isn’t the end. They have to begin to live what they say they believe. And to live it, they have to begin to serve others the way Jesus would.

Being able to live this way takes practice and confidence as we grow in our faith. So how do we grow our faith? Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” We have to hear (and know) God’s word, the Bible.

Our kids need to start learning the Bible.

AWANA, a Bible memory club for kids, will begin on 8/26. Go to www.Hillcrest.church/awana and register your child today!

This week's newsletter from Steve

This week, we hosted our annual Teachers Appreciation Luncheon for the teachers at Anderson High School, Murchison Middle School, and Hill Elementary. It is always great to interact with theses teachers and staff, and to pray with them just before the school year starts. Thank you to all of you who helped out!

Speaking of school, all of our students will be heading back to school next week. Will you join us in praying for them? We are praying that God will take what we have learned over the past few months, and help our kids use it to help make new disciples of Jesus. That is our goal in youth/college ministry, to train disciples that will make disciples. 

Please take some time to pray for the students in the schools nearest to your home. Pray that God will rise up groups of students and teachers in these schools that will share the love of Jesus with those with whom they come into contact. Please pray for revival in our church, our city, our state, and our country. May the name of the Lord be proclaimed throughout the world!

This week's newsletter from Gene

From 60 to Zero

We are accustomed to hearing from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, or whatever the time, as a car manufacturer brags about how fast their car will go from 0 to 60 miles per hour. What we are not accustomed to hearing is how long it takes to go from 60 to zero. Lynn and I have experienced that the past couple of weeks. We were full-speed ahead this summer with the youth in Florida in June, our vacation time in NM and Colorado in July, then to take a group of 27 people on an Alaska cruise, leaving last Friday, then back to her teaching preschoolers at Casner and a full fall schedule. Everything was fine, except last Friday, instead of leaving with the group to Alaska, we checked her into Seton hospital for what will probably be a month-long stay as she is treated for leukemia.

How did that happen? No one knows what causes it, but it is like a switch gets flipped and you have leukemia. No warnings, no lifestyle factors, but a flipped switch. Last week was spent getting things in line to go from 60 to zero. Lots of things to shut down. So many of you have been so kind in all your expressions of support and prayer. We don’t know what the next month(s) holds, but do know that God is on his throne and we are His kids, so He is responsible. Her first week will be chemo, then the next three weeks will be getting her over the chemo. If that first treatment works well, she will have 2-3 5-day treatments each of the following months. Hopefully this will be behind us by Christmas. 

Here are some specific things you can pray for. That her treatments go well without complication, that she be able to get her brain and expectation from 60 to slower, wisdom for the medical staff (her Dr. is Dr. Chawla) and that God would “flip” Lynn’s switch back to normal. For a speedy recovery so she can be out of the hospital and healthy and strong enough to enjoy Tiffany and Jason’s first baby, due in early Oct.!! Pray for the group in Alaska. I appreciate Bruce and Jean Murray helping out with that leadership.

We have a number of people in Hillcrest who have gone from 60 to zero because of cancer, and several  who are dealing with that right now. Others have various factors that caused their life to go from 60 to zero; all need prayer. You’ll regularly see those requests if you are a part of the prayer chain. We need more prayer warriors. If you’re not one, contact the office and let them know to include you.

ICYMI Thursday

By Tom Goodman

Extrovert? Introvert? How about Ambivert?

What’s The Actual ‘Oldest Joke in The Book?’
We Just May Have Found It.

David Skeel in the WSJ says Now Isn’t the Time to Flee the Public Square: "At a time when religious freedom is viewed by many as expendable, and appears in scare quotes or their equivalent in major U.S. newspapers for the first time in American history, the practical consequences of reduced engagement could be considerable."

Good quote in Gerard Alexander's NYT op-ed on the departure of Jon Stewart from The Daily Show:

Many liberals, but not conservatives, believe there is an important asymmetry in American politics. These liberals believe that people on opposite sides of the ideological spectrum are fundamentally different. Specifically, they believe that liberals are much more open to change than conservatives, more tolerant of differences, more motivated by the public good and, maybe most of all, smarter and better informed.

The evidence for these beliefs is not good. Liberals turn out to be just as prone to their own forms of intolerance, ignorance and bias. But the beliefs are comforting to many. They give their bearers a sense of intellectual and even moral superiority. And they affect behavior. They inform the condescension and self-righteousness with which liberals often treat conservatives.

Rachel Larimore at Slate, on the claim that abortions make up only 3 percent of the services that Planned Parenthood provides: "It might not be a technically incorrect number, but it is meaningless—to the point of being downright silly....Planned Parenthood gets at least a third of its clinic income—and more than 10 percent of all its revenue, government funding included—from its abortion procedures. Ask anyone who runs a for-profit business or nonprofit charity if something that brings in one-third of their revenue is "central" to their endeavor, and the answer is likely to be yes. So yes, abortion is central to what Planned Parenthood does.

Philosopher Peter Kreeft says that there are only four options to the question of whether a fetus is a person, and there are legal implications that follow should one abort a fetus:

The fetus is a person, and we know that: Aboriton is murder

The fetus is a person, but we don’t know that: Abortion is manslaughter

The fetus isn’t a person, but we don’t know that: Abortion is criminal negligence

The fetus isn’t a person, and we know that: Only in this case is abortion reasonable, permissible, and responsible choice.

The Washington Post "The Cities" series recently focused on the joy and challenges of Austin living:

 

 

 

 

This week's newsletter from Karen

In my Bible reading today I was in 1 Samuel 17 where we find the classic story of David and Goliath. If you’ve grown up in church, you’ve more than likely heard this story hundreds of times. Is there anything new left to learn from it? For me, the answer was yes.

Most of time we approach this story from David’s perspective – facing a giant in our lives and, only by the power of God, we are able to defeat said giant.

But how does this story play out from the perspective of Goliath? The Philistines and Israel are in a battle stalemate. The Philistines have an upper hand in their hero, Goliath. Goliath, a giant man who has known battle all his life, has become the one in whom the Philistines have placed their faith for success. Goliath, so convinced in his superiority, taunts the Israelites daily to come out and try to defeat him knowing no one will come. But one day something different happens. David steps out and challenges Goliath. Didn’t Goliath think it just a bit strange that a young boy with no real weapon would come out to meet a sure death? Didn’t Goliath think it was just a bit bold of David to call upon the name of God as his power source? Did the thought even cross Goliath’s mind that he could be in big trouble? Probably not, and this is precisely when David chose to strike.

When facing the giants in our lives, it’s good to remember this story from David’s perspective by calling on the power of God to help us, but next time you are facing some “giant,” think about the situation from the giant’s perspective. Is your giant thinking anything is strange about you standing up against a sure defeat? Is your giant wondering about where your boldness is coming from? Is your giant even sensing it might be in trouble? Maybe then, it’s time to strike.

This week's newsletter from Steve

School is coming, and so is our annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheon! Next Tuesday, August 18th, we will open the MPC to teachers, administrators, and staff from Anderson High School, Murchison Middle School, and Hill Elementary. Several hundred people will come through our doors that day. Please pray that we can minister to them, even through something as simple as a meal.

Would you like to help with this event? We will need help setting up some tables and chairs in the hours leading up to the luncheon. If you could be of help in this area, please let me know ASAP! We also need help with serving food, and serving the tables as our guests eat.

If you want to help out, please let me know by Sunday. We would love to have your help! We would also value your prayer as these folks come our way. May God use our church family in mighty ways!

This week's newsletter from Michael

Michael is filling in for Gene this week.
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Jesus, only Jesus! Think about it: JESUS, ONLY JESUS! A few months ago I posted a video of Phillips, Craig and Dean singing this awesome song and the Lord said to me, “Teach this song!” My favorite line in the song is, “You will command the highest praise.” One day we all will join with the angels and sing, Jesus, only Jesus! The words are just powerful, so if you have time this week look it up and have a quiet moment with Jesus alone listening to this great song. 

“You will command the highest praise
Yours is the name above all names
You stand alone
I stand amazed
Jesus, only Jesus”

Choir rehearsal begins this Sunday at 4:15pm in the choir room! I am so looking forward to a great time of singing and just having lots of fun once again! Last Sunday we had 49 people in the loft including praise team, I know that many were out finishing up vacations and some were just late to church…(you know who you are, lol). We will “Fill the Loft” again this Sunday, so come sing and praise the Lord with us.

Lastly, I just wanted to say, CHURCH, you did an awesome job last Sunday singing! The Lord inhabits the praises of his people! Let’s keep singing and praising from the top of our lungs until He returns! I will see you at 10:00 a.m. this Sunday!

A Heartless Crime

by Tom Goodman

An Irish church had its heart stolen.  Let's make sure it doesn't happen to us.

For 900 years Christ Church Cathedral has housed the heart of Dublin's patron saint, Lorcan Ua Tuathail, better known today as Laurence O'Toole.  Yes, his literal heart was contained in a wooden box bolted to the wall.  But in March 2012 the iron bars surrounding the wooden box were wrenched open and the relic was snatched.  Nothing else in the building was taken. Cathedral staff said they were "devastated" at the loss of their heart. 

As I said, let's make sure it doesn't happen to us.

We can lose our church's heart, you know.  It happened to the ancient Ephesian church.  The book of Revelation opens with the risen Christ issuing messages for seven churches.  To the Ephesian church Christ gave this warning:  "You have abandoned the love you had at first." (Revelation 2:4, HCSB)

Oh, they were dutiful enough.  Jesus began his message to the Ephesians with praise, acknowledging "your works, your labor, and your endurance."  What's more, he congratulated them for guarding Christian truth.

But apparently we can be dutiful and doctrinal -- and dry.  When it comes to our actions, we can proceed through the Christian disciplines of prayer and Bible study and tithing as if on autopilot.  When it comes to our beliefs, we can protect our Christian convictions more out of unreflective habit than faithfulness.

In other words, we can lose our heart.  "I have this against you," Jesus warned the Ephesian believers.  "You have abandoned the love you had at first."

If you asked our congregation what ought to be our church's top priority, some would say, "missions," while others would say, "biblical study."  Some would suggest "outreach" or "caring fellowship."

I think Jesus would praise us for these passions, and yet none of these things qualify as the "heart" of our church.

The heart of our church is our love for Jesus.  We succeed or fail by the degree of our gratitude for his sacrifice, our obedience to his commands, our prayers for his power, our worship of his worth, and our anticipation of his return.

 All of our church's many activities issue from that love, but must never substitute for that love.  Ask God to keep you, or return you, to your first love!

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This week's newsletter from Karen

Came across the editorial below in the May/June 2015 issue of KidzMatter magazine and thought I would share. As you read it keep in mind Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 which say, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

YouTube and Gmail for Kids
“Just Google it.” This has become a common household phrase that even kids recognize and say. But is Google a safe place for kids to play? According to Google, the answer may be “no.” Google is considering releasing “kid-friendly” versions of Google search, Gmail and possibly YouTube. Netflix has provided a Kids Zone feature that we personally use all the time. It’s nice because now I no longer get recommendation emails that inform me that season 3 of Yo Gabba Gabba! is now streaming.

The question quickly arises, “Who determines what is and what is not appropriate for my kid to do online?” I’m sure some of you reading this may have gasped at the mention of Yo Gabba Gabba! What one family may feel is okay for their kids might not be for another.

Think About It:
Do such strategies by Google and Netflix indicate a lack of parental concern in these matters?
Whose responsibility is this? Parents or Google?
How do we help kids take responsibility for themselves in this area?

This week's newsletter from Steve

Anyone tired of the heat yet? Here we are in the hottest days of August, and I find myself contemplating what it will be like to wear a jacket outside again… out of necessity! I also find myself thinking about the work that the Lord has done in the lives of our students over the past few weeks, as well as the work He has done in my life this summer.

I wish there were a way to show each of you how hard these students worked during our week of missions here in Austin. I also wish I could show you the kind and loving spirit they had while doing so. Pictures and words on a page just cannot capture those things! I also wish that you could have been a part of our church group discussions, worship and teaching times, and even recreation time during Youth Camp. Our students met with Jesus this summer in a very real way. I believe we are gaining some spiritual momentum with this group, which is exciting!

I cannot give you a complete glimpse of those moments, but you can be a part of what goes on right here at Hillcrest! Please be in prayer for both our youth and college students. So many of them are trying to consistently walk with the Lord daily, and we can see the changes He is making in them. Pray they will continue to move closer to Jesus, even as school starts, and the summer ends. Pray that their weak spots would not overcome their new-found strength in Christ! Lastly, if you really want to take it a step farther, stop one of the students, ask them for their name, and then let them know you will be praying for them specifically! That would be great!

This week's newsletter from Gene

This past Saturday, there were 19 of us who, as a part of 2nd Half Ministry, worked at the Austin Area Food bank in south Austin. It was a very good opportunity for us to be directly involved in helping our community. We helped process over 2,500 pounds of food to help provide over 200 meals. Our particular task was sorting and making sure the quality of the goods was acceptable. We will do another of these ministry opportunities, and you’ll be welcome to join us.

Sunday night we had a really good time as our Sunday morning worship teams joined together for a dinner. We had about 80 people, so it was a very good turnout. Michael laid out his plans for the fall and it should be a very good ministry time as we sing/play each week. There is a change in the time of a couple rehearsals, hopefully to allow more people to participate. The Sunday morning worship choir rehearsal is moving from Wednesday night to 4:15-5:15 on Sunday afternoons. Handbells are moving to 7:00 PM on Wednesday nights. This is a really good time to join these groups.

We are waiting until January to start our children’s choir ministries. Over the past few years, most churches have done away entirely with their children’s choir ministries. As a result, the publishers are no longer publishing material to use during weekly rehearsals, as it is not financially viable for them. This makes it very difficult, as someone has to write and put together the entire schedule of activities, games, teaching and rehearsal schedule. This easily takes well over 100 hours each semester. We don’t have anyone available this fall to do that, so we will begin our weekly rehearsals in January in preparation for the spring musical. The kids will sing in September during our multi-generational service. If you have a child in grades 1-6, we will be in touch soon.

Are You Mayor of the Center of the World?

by Tom Goodman

Jacques Istel thinks he lives at the center of the world.

He is the mayor of Felicity, California.  Twenty people live in the town in an empty corner of California near Yuma, Arizona.  But a tiny population and remote isolation hasn’t diminished Mayor Istel’s estimation of the place.  In the mid-1980s, Mayor Istel showed up at the meeting of the supervisors of Imperial County and asked them to officially declare that the Center of the World was located at his town.  They did so.

To mark the Center of the World, Mayor Istel built a 21-foot-tall pink marble pyramid.  For $1, tourists can enter the pyramid, stand on the official Center of the World marker, and get their picture taken with the mayor of the Center of the World.

We’ve all run for office as the mayor of the center of the world, haven’t we?  We’ve all had points in our lives where everything has to revolve around us.

That’s why Matthew 18 makes us so uncomfortable.  In that chapter, Jesus tells us that we have to humbly take responsibility for each other if we’re going to be a church that pleases him.

What is our responsibility to each other as believers?

For some of us, that may seem like a strange question.  The consumer mentality of our culture has completely infected us to the point that we even see church involvement like picking a restaurant or a health club.  For some of us our only question is, “What can this organization do for me?  Do they have the goods and services I want, at the time I want, in the style I want?  What can this place do for me?”

But the Bible tells us over and over again that we have responsibility for each other.  The phrase ‘one another’ or ‘each other’ is used over fifty times in the New Testament.  We are commanded to love each other, pray for each other, encourage each other, admonish each other, greet each other, serve each other, teach each other, accept each other, honor each other, bear each other’s burdens, forgive each other, sing to each other, submit to each other, and be devoted to each other.

This Sunday, come and learn how to do this from Matthew 18.  It’s Week Six of our study, “The Church You’ve Always Longed For.”  Join us at 10! 
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